Ecology: Biology of Interactions. 6.12. Smog

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6.11. Acid Rain

D. Shabanov, M. Kravchenko. Ecology: Biology of Interaction Chapter 6. Human Ecology and Conservation

6.13. Military Danger

6.12. Smog Smog is a form of air pollution characteristic of large cities and industrial centers. In urban areas, several categories of pollutants may be emitted into the air, including: — suspended particles and dust (smoke); — hydrocarbons and other volatile organic compounds; — carbon monoxide; — nitrogen oxides; — sulfur oxides; — lead and heavy metals; — ozone and other photochemical pollutants; — acids. When several pollutants mix and are illuminated by sunlight, they can enter chemical (photochemical) reactions with one another. The result is synergism (mutual amplification of effects) and the formation of especially dangerous mixtures. These are called smog. The “classic” case is the London smog of December 1952. Cold weather caused intensive operation of city boiler houses, while calm weather led to accumulation of smoke and of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emitted into the air. As a result, at least 4,000 people died and tens of thousands became seriously ill. This type of smog, containing coal smoke, is called “black” smog. Vehicle traffic produces the no less dangerous “white” smog. Unfortunately, as long as our cities remain oversaturated with motor vehicles and emissions from boiler plants and various enterprises are released directly within city limits, the smog hazard cannot be eliminated. Controlling emission volumes and ensuring free air circulation over cities can alleviate the situation, but does not solve the problem.

6.11. Acid Rain

D. Shabanov, M. Kravchenko. Ecology: Biology of Interaction Chapter 6. Human Ecology and Conservation

6.13. Military Danger