[PDF] Smog chamber studies of temperature effects in photochemical smog

What is photochemical smog and where is it usually found?

Photochemical smog, also known as summer smog, is a type of smog that is produced when UV light originating from the sun interacts with the oxides of nitrogen present in the atmosphere. This type of smog usually manifests as a brown haze and is most commonly seen in highly populated cities that are placed in relatively warm climates.

What kinds of harm does photochemical smog cause?

When there is a high concentration of photochemical smog present in the atmosphere, you will suffer from chest pain, headaches, along with throat dryness. It can cause multiple respiratory ailments if not treated in due time. Furthermore, photochemical smog contains PAN, acrolein, and formaldehyde.

What is the major source of photochemical smog?

Photochemical smog is produced when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) in the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides come from car exhaust, coal power plants, and factory emissions. VOCs are released from gasoline, paints, and many cleaning solvents. When sunlight hits these chemicals, they form airborne particles and ground-level ozone—or smog.

What is a photochemical smog. how is it formed?

Photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities. It tends to occur more often in summer, because that is when we have the most sunlight.