Photochemical Smog

Photochemical smog, also known as ‘summer smog,’ is formed when ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is visible as a yellow-brown haze during the morning and in the afternoon. Photochemical smog tends to occur more often on dry summer days when the region experiences the most sunlight.

It is characteristic of urban areas and is thus commonly found in densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, Sydney, Mexico, New Delhi, and Beijing, among many others. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Los Angeles Smog.’

Photochemical smog requires neither smoke nor fog. It mainly consists of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and organic compounds containing the aldehyde group.

This air pollution is formed when solar radiation reacts with primary airborne pollutants emitted from automobiles, industries, and power plants. Some common examples of primary pollutants are nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrous oxide, and most VOCs.

During morning peak traffic hours, nitrogen oxides and VOCs are hugely released into the environment.  Natural calamities such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and microbial activities also contribute to NO and NO₂. When these primary pollutants are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, NO₂ goes through a series of complex reactions with hydrocarbons to form more secondary pollutants such as ozone, peroxyacetyl nitrate, nitric acid, aldehydes, and others. The combination of all these chemicals causes the formation of photochemical smog.

The stages for photochemical smog formation is given below along with the chemical equations that show how the components react with each other:

1) In the morning, nitrogen is burned or oxidized when released from automobiles to form nitric oxide in an oxidation step.

N₂ (Nitrogen) + O₂ (Oxygen) → 2NO (Nitric oxide)

2) Within a few hours, nitric oxide (NO) combines with more oxygen in another oxidation reaction to form nitrogen dioxide.

2NO + O₂ (Oxygen) → 2NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide)

3) Nitrogen dioxide absorbs sunlight to breaks down, forming nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen radical (O) in a reduction reaction.

NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide) + Sunlight → NO (Nitric oxide) + O (Oxygen radical)

4) Oxygen radicals react to atmospheric oxygen (O₂) to form ground-level ozone (O₃).

O (Oxygen radical) + O₂ (Atmospheric oxygen) → O₃ (Ozone)

5) Ozone is consumed by nitric oxide to produce nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. This reaction is reversible.

O₃ (Ozone) + NO (Nitric oxide) ⇌ NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide) + O₂ (Oxygen)

6) Nitrogen dioxide reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as hydrocarbons (R) to form secondary pollutants such as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).

NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide) + VOCs (Hydrocarbons) → PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) + Others

• On Human Health: It causes irreversible damage to the lungs and heart, causing emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma in persons with allergies. Even a brief exposure to photochemical smog has a lasting effect on both the young and the elderly. It causes painful irritation in the respiratory system, reduces lung function, and makes it difficult to breathe. It also causes pneumonia, fatigue, and heart palpitations. When combined with hydrocarbons, it forms molecules that cause eye irritation. Some VOCs can cause cancer.
• On Environment: It has devastating effects on the environment that affects growth in both plants and animals. The production in smog sensitive crops such as tobacco, tomato, and spinach are significantly reduced. Ozone causes necrosis (death) patterns on the upper surfaces of the leaves of trees. Ground-level ozone also interferes with the growth and productivity of trees. Animal life is also affected, similar to its effects on humans. Free oxygen radicals in the air interfere with the nitrogen cycle and prevent the destruction of ground-level ozone. 
• Other Effects: It corrodes metals, stones, and painted surfaces. It also causes a reduction in the tensile strength of textiles and the fading of dyed fibers.   

As discussed, photochemical smog is related to severe consequences in urban areas where automobile pollution is high. It is the responsibility of humanity to reduce its effect and to get the community involved. Some ways of controlling the formation of smog are as follows:

• Reduce dependence on vehicles.
• Use public transportation instead of driving.
• Reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy resources that are the primary sources of air pollution.
• Install solar panels to trap solar energy that acts as an alternative source of energy.
• Use smog detectors and monitoring systems that act as early warning systems for air pollution.