Smog: Not an Allergen, but an Irritant Share AA WebMD Feature by Gina Shaw For people with allergies and asthma, sometimes the very air they breathe can be bad for their health. That’s because a variety of pollutants in our air -- collectively called smog -- can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, leaving people with these conditions struggling to breathe. What is Smog? Smog is a type of air pollution that results from a mix of gases and particulates reacting with sunlight. The gases in smog include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as ozone. The particulates found in smog can include smoke, dust, sand, and pollen. In recent years, air pollution has declined somewhat, but a 2010 report from the American Lung Association says that more than 175 million people -- about 58% of the population -- still live where pollution levels frequently make it difficult for some people to breathe. The Particle Problem Particulate pollution is created by mechanical processes, like construction and mining, and by chemical processes, like burning fossil fuels. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are common types of fossil fuels used in the United States.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 07:23:29 +0000
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