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What is the smog?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "smog is a form of air pollution that
can have serious effects on human health and the environment. Smog is composed of nitrogen
dioxide, volatile organic compounds, tropospheric ozone, and particulate matter, which react with
each other under the influence of sunlight."

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines smog as "a form of air pollution characterized by a
haze or fog of toxic particles and chemical pollutants that accumulate in urban areas, which can
have serious effects on human health".

According to Royal Decree 102/2011 of the Spanish Ministry of Environment, smog is "a type of air
pollution caused by the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere, which can cause health
problems and affect the environment."

Causes

 Vehicle emissions: Gases emitted by vehicles, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides,
sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, can contribute significantly to smog
formation in cities.

 Industrial activities: Factories, power plants and other industrial processes can also emit
pollutants that contribute to smog.

 Weather conditions: Smog can be made worse under specific weather conditions, such as
sunny, hot days with little breeze, which can increase the concentration of pollutants in
the air.

 Forest fires: Forest fires can also contribute to smog formation by releasing large amounts
of particulate and gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere.

 Chemical use: The use of chemicals such as solvents, pesticides and cleaning products in
the home and elsewhere can also contribute to smog formation.

Cosenquances
  Respiratory problems: Prolonged exposure to smog can lead to respiratory problems, such
as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma and
bronchitis.

 Cardiovascular effects: High levels of air pollution are also associated with an increased
risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and
stroke.

 Reduced quality of life: The constant presence of smog can have a negative impact on
people's quality of life, reducing visibility, generating unpleasant odors and limiting the
ability to enjoy outdoor activities.

 Damage to the environment: Smog can damage vegetation, affect aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems, and contribute to climate change.

 Economic costs: Smog can generate significant economic costs, such as medical care,
absenteeism, and decreased productivity.

COUNTRY: CIUDAD DE MEXICO

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (n.d.). Air Quality. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from
https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-basics.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Smog. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from
https://www.who.int/airpollution/guidelines/en/smog.pdf

Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO). (2011). Royal Decree
102/2011, of January 28, on the improvement of air quality. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from
https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2011-2599.