Smog has seriously affected more persons than any other type of air pollution. It
can be loosely defined as a multisource, widespread air pollution that occurs in the air of
cities. Smog has been caused throughout recorded history by water condensing on smoke,
usually from burning coal. The infamous London fogs--about 4,000 deaths were
attributed to the severe fog of 1952--were smog of this type. Another type, ice fog,
occurs only at high latitudes and extremely low temperatures and is a combination of
smoke particles and ice crystals.
Another form of air pollution comes from a variety of chemicals called
chlorofluorocarbons, also know as CFCs. These chemicals are used for many industrial
purposes, ranging from solvents used to clean computer chips to the refrigerant gases
found in air conditioners and ice boxes. CFCs combine with other molecules in the Earth's
upper atmospheres and then, by attaching themselves to molecules of ozone, transform
and destroy the protective ozone layer. The result has been a sharp decline in the amount
of ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone is a threat to our lungs, but in the upper atmosphere
ozone works as a shield to protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
What Is Air Pollution
What Causes Air Pollution?
Should We Care?
What Is The pH Scale?
Does Air Pollution Affect You?
Who Is Trying To Stop Air Pollution?
How Can You Help?
Will It Affect Us In The Future?
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