Photochemical Smog

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Recommended: Industrial and photochemical smog ap environmental science

Photochemical Smog is made up of primary and secondary pollutants.

Primary pollutants are released into the environment by vehicles, industry and natural environments.

Primary Pollutants

Industry Related Vehicle Related Natural Processes

Sulfur Dioxide Hydrocarbons Sulfur Oxides

Nitrogen Dioxide Nitric Oxide Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide Volcanic Dust

Hydrogen Sulfide Smoke

Secondary pollutants form when primary pollutants react in the atmosphere, such as the presence of direct sunlight. These secondary pollutants are ozone, nitric acid, peroxyacyl nitrates and toxic organic compounds such as formaldehyde. It is the mixture of these primary and secondary pollutants that form photochemical smog. Photochemical smog is more prolific in warmer climates with areas of modern industry and a number of automobiles.

Smog isn’t a major issue in Australia but in larger cities and developing countries where pollution levels are much higher smog is an everyday occurrence. Due to large populations these smog affected cities release a large sum of primary pollutants, which react with the atmosphere and in particular ultra violet light. The chemical reaction between the primary pollutants and ultraviolet light, results in secondary pollutants resulting in the formation of Photochemical Smog.

Toxic Chemicals within Photochemical Smog Sources of Chemicals

(Human Activities) Environmental Effects

Nitrogen Oxides

(NO and NO2) -Combustion of oil, coal, gas in automobile and industry

-Forest Fires - Decreased visibility due to yellowish colour of NO2

- Contributes to lung issues

- Suppresses plant growth

- Decrease resistance to infection

- Encourages the spread of cancer

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) - Evaporation of Solvents

- Evaporation of Fuels

- Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels - Eye irritation

- Respiratory irritation

- Some are carcinogenic

- Decreased visibility due to blue and brown haze

Ozone (O3) - Formed from photolysis of NO2 - Decreases crop yields

- Retards plant growth

- Damages plastics

- Breaks down rubber

- Harsh Odor

- Respiratory Irritation

Peroxyacetyl Nitrates (PAN) - Forms by the reaction of NO2 and VOCs - High toxicity to plants

- Damaging to proteins

- Respiratory Irritation

- Eye Irritation

Issue

Photochemical Smog is a major contributor of air pollution. Photochemical Smog has been linked to many negative health conditions; in particular respiratory conditions. These health conditions aren’t only linked to humans but also plants and animals.

Humans/Plant/Synthetic Affects

• Smog has been responsible for loss of lung capacity and lung elasticity in humans and animals exposed to photochemical smog.

• In plants ozone, a secondary pollutant is responsible for the damage of leaf tissue greatly affecting the ability for that plant to grow and thrive.

• Smog doesn’t only affect living things but also effects synthetic products. With low-level exposure for only a month smog can crack rubber and with continued exposure can cause complete disintegration.

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