Smog and Effect

Smog and Effect

When taking that first breath of fresh air on the way to grab the morning paper, are you sure that breath you are taking is fresh at all? Today there is worry about an odorless pollutant in the air called smog. Most people don’t think anything of it because they think it isn’t hurting them so they don’t care anymore about than a fly buzzing around buzzing around your head. In all actuality this is a major issue that is being constantly tested to find ways to reduce this type of pollution.

That foggy haze over the skyline doesn’t just hinder what could be a great view, health issues can also be attributed to this over long periods of exposure. There are many contributing factors in creating smog; this includes vehicles, buses, tractors, power plants, and even the weather. We have been creating smog for over 100 years beginning in the industrial revolution in the 1800’s. At that time the smog was created when burning large amounts of coal for heating and power needs. It was common for a family to burn coal to warm the house and cook their food on the stove. With the creation of the combustion engine, smog is now as common as a house fly and not just contained to industrial areas.

In studies that have been conducted since the 1970’s, it has been shown that high levels of air pollution can cause harm to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. These issues can lead to the onset of heart and lung disease as well as early death. Professor Paul Mohai, PhD, of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, which studies the exposure to air pollution and the academic performance of children says, “This should be taken seriously.” Mohai also goes on to say, “I don’t think the issue has gotten the visibility it deserves.”

Other studies over the past decade have shown that high levels of air pollution may damage children’s cognitive ability and increase cognitive decline in adults which could also result in...