43: Smog Flashcards
What caused thousands of deaths in London in 1952 and is grey all-over?
industrial smog
The six pollutants which the EPA classifies as “criteria pollutants” are thought to contribute most to air quality pollution and include…
carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter
What is smog?
fusion of the words SMOKE and FOG
What are the two types of smog?
- industrial smog
- photochemical smog
What is industrial smog?
important until the middle of the last century in industrial cities (ex: London, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Donora)
Is industrial smog still a problem?
now, it is rarely a problem in MDCs but is still a problem in LDCs and in China, India, and Eastern Europe
What caused industrial smog?
large amounts of heavy oil and coal were burnt in homes (for heat) and in industry
What pollutants were released?
sulfur oxides and particulate matter
What color is industrial smog?
gray air smog
During which season is industrial smog going to be worse?
industrial smog is worse in winter!
Where did the Great Smog occur?
London in December 1952
What happened in the Great Smog?
it was unusually cold, so people burned more coal
- the visibility was said to have fallen to 12 inches
What were the consequences of the Great Smog?
more than 100,000 were treated for respiratory problems
- caused between 3000-4000 extra deaths
What are extra deaths?
deaths above the normal rates which are attributed to the abnormal conditions (mainly of cardiac and respiratory ailments)
What is asthma?
a disease that affects your lungs that causes episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing
- can be controlled with medicine and avoiding triggers
