Smog is a combination of fog and haze. Smog is common in cities. In many areas of China, fog and haze are combined as a severe weather phenomenon for early warning and forecasting, which is collectively referred to as “smog weather”. Haze is the result of the interaction between specific climatic conditions and human activities. The economic and social activities of the high-density population will inevitably emit a large amount of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). Once the emission exceeds the atmospheric circulation capacity and carrying capacity, the concentration of fine particulate matter will continue to accumulate. range of smog.
In November 2013, the World Health Organization declared air pollutants “one of the most dangerous environmental carcinogens” on Earth. Numerous examples and pathologies have shown that air pollution has an impact on diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Every breath of air we breathe should be valued for our health and that of the next generation.
Smog is mainly composed of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and inhalable particulate matter, which combine with the fog to instantly turn the sky dark and gray. The English abbreviation of particulate matter is PM. The PM2.5 that we are familiar with is the fine particulate matter monitored by the Beijing Institute, that is, the pollutant particles with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 microns. The particle itself is not only a pollutant, but also a carrier of toxic substances such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
What are the hazards of haze weather to the human body?
A: Inducing respiratory diseases: Hundreds of particles of different sizes in the haze air are brought into the respiratory tract by human breathing, which can cause respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.
B: Causes cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: The low oxygen content in the air caused by haze days will make the human heart beat faster, resulting in chest tightness and shortness of breath, causing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, especially for the elderly.
C: Causes various bacterial diseases: The haze weather blocks the penetration of sunlight, which makes the surface bacteria, viruses and microorganisms multiply rapidly, causing allergies and other diseases.
D: Increased risk of cancer: Harmful particulate matter contained in smoky air may damage lung function more severely than smoking.
How to deal with these problems?
(1): Reduce going out in haze weather, and avoid going out when the fog is thick; if you must go out, it is recommended to wear a mask with better protection effect.
(2): For people who are more sensitive to air, drink more water and pay attention to rest. If you feel unwell, go to the hospital as soon as possible.
(3): Avoid opening windows to ventilate indoors during peak traffic hours, and install air purifiers with appropriate power to effectively improve air cleanliness.
(4): In order to deal with smog, reduce the discomfort it brings to our body, and prevent potential health risks, it is necessary to take special protective measures.
