When is smog most likely to occur

This cold air then pushes under the warmer air rising from the valley, creating the inversion. In addition, inversions can also form in areas with significant snow cover because the snow at ground level is cold and its white color reflects almost all heat coming in. Thus, the air above the snow is often warmer because it holds the reflected energy. Some of the most significant consequences of temperature inversions are the extreme weather conditions they can sometimes create.

One example is freezing rain. This phenomenon develops with a temperature inversion in a cold area because snow melts as it moves through the warm inversion layer. The precipitation then continues to fall and passes through the cold layer of air near the ground. When it moves through this final cold air mass it becomes "super-cooled" cooled below freezing without becoming solid. The supercooled drops then become ice when they land on items like cars and trees and the result is freezing rain or an ice storm.

Although freezing rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes are significant weather events, one of the most important things impacted by an inversion layer is smog.

Smog is impacted by the inversion layer because it is, in essence, capped when the warm air mass moves over an area. This happens because the warmer air layer sits over a city and prevents the normal mixing of cooler, denser air. The air instead becomes still and, over time, the lack of mixing causes pollutants to become trapped under the inversion, developing significant amounts of smog. During severe inversions that last over long periods, smog can cover entire metropolitan areas and cause respiratory problems for the inhabitants.

In December such an inversion occurred in London. Because of the cold December weather, Londoners began to burn more coal, which increased air pollution in the city. The result was the Great Smog of that was blamed for thousands of deaths. Like London, Mexico City has also experienced problems with smog that have been exacerbated by the presence of an inversion layer.

This city is infamous for its poor air quality, but these conditions are worsened when warm subtropical high-pressure systems move over the city and trap air in the Valley of Mexico. Since , Mexico's government has developed a plan aimed at reducing ozone and particulates released into the air over the city. This is a problem all over the world, though, and cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, Santiago, and Tehran frequently experience intense smog when an inversion layer develops over them.

Because of this, many of these cities and others are working to reduce their air pollution. A recent study has linked inhalation of these particles with cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular problems. Everyone is at risk during smog but people who already have cardiac conditions are especially vulnerable. It is important that cardiac patients maintain regular visits with a cardiologist during smog season. When smog lasts for a prolonged period of time, the sun rays cannot reach the earth.

Lack of sunlight causes a decrease in the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for absorption of important minerals such as calcium. When calcium is not absorbed, the bones become soft and orthopedic disorders such as rickets and osteoporosis are likely to occur.

To compensate for sunlight, it is important to consume foods that are high in vitamin D. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include fish, citrus fruits and dairy products. Human skin can easily get irritated when exposed to polluted air. Smog is likely to inflame the skin causing problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and premature aging.

In extreme cases when the air is highly toxic, the skin can also develop blisters. These blisters can be very painful and can permanently damage the skin. To avoid skin infections during smog season, regular cleansing is advised. Eating foods high in antioxidants can help in maintaining a healthy skin in a polluted environment. If you or a loved one is suffering from smog induced diseases, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible. You can also visit our website at oladoc. What area is affected by smog?

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