As urbanization and industrialization rise, people become increasingly susceptible to different types of air pollution that affect their health. One of these types of air pollution is referred to as photochemical smog or cloud, also known as brown haze.

This brown haze occurs due to the combination of pollution and sunlight, resulting in the formation of a complex mixture of gases and particles in the air. The following is a brief explanation of the science behind photochemical clouds and their health impacts.

How Photochemical Clouds Form

Photochemical clouds form due to a series of chemical reactions in the atmosphere, triggered by sunlight.

During these reactions, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine to form ozone (O3) and other peroxides such as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). Some of the chemical reactions that take place include:.

NO2 + sunlight → NO + O
NO + O3 → NO2 + O2
NO2 + VOCs + sunlight → O3 + PAN + other organic compounds.

The resulting mixture of gases and particles is what we refer to as photochemical smog or brown haze.

Health Impacts of Photochemical Clouds

Photochemical clouds have numerous health impacts on humans, plants, and animals. Some of the health impacts of exposure to photochemical clouds include:.

Respiratory illnesses – Long-term exposure to photochemical clouds is linked to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Short-term exposure can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.
Cardiovascular diseases – Studies have shown that exposure to photochemical clouds can cause cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
Premature death – The health impacts of long-term exposure to photochemical clouds can lead to premature death, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with preexisting health conditions.

Reducing the Impacts of Photochemical Clouds

Reducing the impacts of photochemical clouds on human health requires a collaborative effort from individuals, industries, and governments. Some of the ways to reduce the impacts of photochemical clouds include:.

Reducing emissions – Governments can enforce strict regulations on industries to prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Industries can also adopt cleaner production processes to reduce their emissions.
Alternative transportation – Encouraging the use of public transport, cycling or walking can reduce vehicular emissions that contribute to photochemical clouds.
Reducing energy consumption – Individuals can reduce their energy consumption by unplugging appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and reducing the use of air-conditioners and heaters.

Conclusion

Photochemical clouds form as a result of chemical reactions between pollutants and sunlight. Unfortunately, the resulting brown haze has numerous negative health impacts on human health, plant and animals.

Governments, industries, and individuals must take the necessary measures to reduce the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere to reduce the negative health impacts of photochemical clouds.