Photochemical Smog is a type of smog produced when ultraviolet light from the sun reacts with nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. It is visible as a brown haze, and is most prominent during the morning and afternoon, especially in densely populated, warm cities.
Effects of Photochemical Smog:
- Both ozone and PAN cause eye irritations. Ozone and nitric oxide (NO) can irritate the nose and throat and their high concentration causes a headache, chest pain, dryness of the throat, cough and difficulty in breathing.
- Photochemical smog leads to cracking of rubber and extensive damage to plant life.
- It also causes corrosion of metals, stones, building materials, rubber and painted surfaces.
Mitigation of Photochemical Smog:
- Opting for Renewable Energy and use of energy efficient designs and materials when renovating or building.
- Reducing and Managing Vehicular and Industrial Emissions.
- Use of Environmentally Friendly Consumer Products Gothenburg Protocol.
Photochemical Smog should be reduced through various protocols like Multi effect protocol and efforts of all concerned stakeholders thus fulfilling the requirements of Article - 21 (Right to Clean, safe and healthy environment).