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Health Risks of Smog

Smog is a mixture of particulates and chemicals in the air. Smog results from burning vehicle emissions, power plants and other industry pollutants. Smog can cause health risks. Every major city, and many of the smaller cities, in the world experience some type of smog. Smog is particularly dangerous on hot and sunny days when it includes ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone forms by a chemical reaction of pollutants (smog) and sunlight. Reducing your exposure to smog is important to you and your family's health.

  1. Smog Alerts

    • The Environmental Protection Agency developed a rating scale which indicates the level of pollutants in the air. When the pollutants are high, it will issue a smog alert. Most communities have an air quality index which correlates to the smog alerts. Watching the local news station or signing up for email alerts at the Clean Air Campaign website will keep you up to date on smog levels in your community.

    Minor Health Risks

    • Breathing smog-filled air is unhealthy, especially if you breathe it every day. Most people will experience a few of the minor health effects of breathing smog at some time in their life. Some minor symptoms of breathing smog are red and irritated eyes, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry throat, itchy eyes, itchy nose and inability to breathe deeply. Other symptoms you might experience due to smog are chest pains, cough, shortness of breath, nausea and headaches. Minor health effects of breathing smog can develop into more serious problems if ignored. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to the health risks of smog.

    Severe Health Risks

    • Asthma attacks can be exacerbated by smog.

      Asthma, emphysema, reactive airway disease, and bronchitis are all health problems related to breathing smog. Lung cancer is also a major health concern for people living in smoggy areas.

    How To Minimize Your Health Risks

    • The EPA enacted the Clean Air Act more than a decade ago to protect the environment and human health. All businesses in the U.S. must follow the standards set by the EPA or face fines. To minimize the health risks of smog, pay attention to smog alerts and the air quality index for your community. Avoid heavy and prolonged exercise outdoors on heavy smog days. Help reduce smog by taking public transportation or getting involved in car pools. Look for, and purchase, products such as lawn mowers, appliances and windows that are labeled Energy Star to help improve air quality.

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