As air pollution continues to increase, we are bound to face different types. The most persistent one found in urban cities that makes life hard for everyone is smog. It is a kind of air pollution, which can cause several health problems for everyone living in the affected areas. Pre-existing health problems like any medical complaints related to the heart, lung, or chest tend to get worse.
As a matter of fact, overall outdoors pollution has singlehandedly taken the lives of millions – while smog securing the top 1 slot on the list. Unfortunately, even with preventive measures, people can not seem to eliminate the side-effects of smog entirely, which is causing many to seek shelter inside the safety of their homes. However, most individuals do not have the privilege to do so; thus, the best one can do is try their best to reduce smog side effects. Our experts at health2delivery strongly advise taking proper steps to keep yourself safe from the deadly smog.
Fundamentals of Smog
Commonly, smog is known as the thick coating of stagnant air, which originates near ground level when air pollution is exceptionally poor. Also, it occurs more often in polluted, overpopulated cities and in areas near industries that involve high emissions. Furthermore, similar emissions are from automobiles and the combustion of wood along with coal. These factors mixed with bad weather conditions result in smog.
What is it?
A thick mixture of liquid, solid fog, and smoke particles – that is what smog is, in its essence. Although, usually, it is seen as a type of yellow or black fog. This fog remains poised in the atmosphere. It can also resemble a ceiling in the air.
The harmful substance is formed when pure sunlight reacts with gases. Gases like industrial emissions or even car exhaust fumes are present in the lower atmosphere, which contributes to the creation of smog. Moreover, the extremely hot weather that we experience on exceptionally hot days tends to be slow-moving, so the warm weather is responsible for trapping the polluted air at a significantly low level in the atmosphere—however, many associate smog with summer, which is not always the case. Winter smog is common and can occur on cold foggy days since the harmful gases end up getting trapped near the ground level.
Does Smog Affect Your Health?
It is a common fact that smog can be deadly. But do you know that it can leave a long-lasting effect on your overall health? Although some people tend to be much more sensitive to the side effects of smog or just air pollution as compared to others, the reality of the situation is that everyone experiences side effects of smog.
As mentioned before, people with pre-existing health conditions like chest, lung, or heart problems end up suffering more than others. But, healthy individuals are bound to experience side effects, as well. Most of the time, it begins with irritation in either the nose, throat, eyes, or lung. There are chances of problems in breathing, too.
5 Best Methods to Reduce the Side Effects of Smog: How to Protect Yourself
Once you have a firm grasp of the problem, you need to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential health effects due to the harmful air quality. Follow the five tips to ensure safety and to reduce the risks of smog:
1. Limit Exposure
The first thing to do is limit exposure to smog entirely. You can do this by covering your face with a mask or a scarf. Protection of your eyes is necessary, too. Make sure to wear glasses whenever you are outside.
2. Forecasts
It is vital to keep up with weather forecasts and smog throughout the smog season. Keep an eye on the Air Quality by getting daily updates. If the forecast claims that the air quality is poor, then try to avoid going outside. If you do go outside, then try to avoid the affected areas, keep your windows up and gear up.
3. Plenty of Fluids
Smog can take a toll on a person’s body. To counter dehydration and other problems, make sure that you drink plenty of water. Also, drink warm beverages every day to avoid throat problems.
4. Avoid Traffic Jams
Avoid busy roads and intersections at all costs. You do need to be around hotbeds of exhaust emissions during smog season. It will worsen the side effects. If you do end up getting stuck in traffic, keep your windows up at all times.
5. Go Green
Make sure that you are doing your part in helping the environment. Try your best to manage your carbon footprint by carpooling, recycling and avoiding the use of air-conditioners, and more. It is crucial to keep your own emissions as low as you can.
