Why Does Smog Occur in Winter​s?

For the past several years in Pakistan, it is reported that the citizens have been breathing in the toxic air polluted approximately 20 times above safe levels. Considering this, the government has been taking precautionary measures to prevent this issue, such as emission testing of the vehicles and more. But you might be wondering why smog occurs in Pakistan? Here is the answer for you in the blog. Let’s explore a detailed guide on winter smog in Pakistan. 

What is Smog? 

Smog is not the winter fog or pollution, but it is a mixture of both. When fog combines with environmental pollution and dust particles, it becomes smog. The smog creates a haze in the sky, looking almost similar to the fog. But know that the fog is a natural phenomenon and is a mist in the air, whereas the smog can be more dangerous. 

Furthermore, the smog is composed of multiple components such as Tropospheric Ozone, Sulphur Oxides, Smoke, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), pollen, dust, Ammonia Gas, and other chemicals.

What are the Causes of Smog in the Country? 

The worst time for smog in Pakistan is the winter season, as there is more burning of fossil fuels, such as wood burning for fireplaces and more. The toxic particles are sent to the atmosphere, which creates a thick blanket of polluted air and worsens with the presence of fog. 

Here are some more causes of smog in Pakistan: 

• Agricultural burning emits harmful pollutants in the environment that are a leading cause of smog. 
• Big factories release chemicals such as carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere contribute to the smog in Pakistan. 
• The traffic in the country is another major reason for the smog. The smoke-emitting vehicles contain carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other chemicals that are responsible for polluting the air. This further contributes to the pollution in the country. 

Is Smog Really Dangerous? 

Inhaling the smog for a long time is definitely dangerous and leads to multiple health issues for people. The following are some of the effects of smog that you need to know: 

Respiratory Diseases: Smog is a leading cause of respiratory diseases in people, such as asthma. The polluted air, when inhaled, swells the airways, causing breathing difficulties. Besides this, bronchitis is another disease caused by the high amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the air, leading to inflammation in the bronchial tubes. 

Impacts the Immune System: Exposure to high levels of dangerous chemicals in the air weakens the immune system. 

Cardiovascular Issues: The polluted air, when it enters your body, can harm or weaken the blood vessels, leading to arterial calcification (calcium buildup). If not treated on time can cause cardiovascular issues in the body. 

Not just on human lives, but smog is also a threat to the animals, plants, overall environment. For instance, less visibility, impurification of crops, decreasing soil nutrients and more. 

Final Verdict

To sum up, know that the smog occurs in the winter season when the pollutants get mixed up by the fog and also because of the more wood burning, etc. If not prevented on time, it can lead to severe health issues. Therefore, when leaving your house, wear a mask, get air purifiers at home or offices to clean indoor air, drink plenty of water and make sure your vehicle passes the emission tests.