<h1 class="ql-align-center">SMOG </h1>&nbsp;<ul><li>About: </li><li class="ql-indent-1">Combination of smoke &amp; fog (smoky fog) caused by the burning of coal, vehicular emission, and industrial fumes (Primary pollutants)</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Includes soot particulates, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃)</li><li>2 types:</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Sulfurous Smog (London Smog): Caused by burning coal and sulphur-bearing fuels. It is aggravated by dampness and a high concentration of suspended particulate matter in the air; and</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Photochemical Smog (Los Angeles Smog): Produced when NOₓ and hydrocarbons react under sunlight, forming ozone; appears as a brownish haze</li><li>Pollutants responsible: Primary pollutants (directly emitted such as NO₂, SO₂, hydrocarbons); and Secondary pollutants (formed via reactions such as ozone, acid rain)</li><li class="ql-indent-1">It must be noted that, Haze are dry particles which reduces visibility; whereas Smog are pollutants with condensation</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Effects of smog are respiratory distress, eye irritation, plant damage, reduced visibility, carcinogenic risk, worsened by inversion layers and low rainfall.</li><li>Smog-Eating Coatings</li><li class="ql-indent-1">In this, photocatalytic coatings with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) are applied on roads, pavements, and public surfaces</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Under sunlight, TiO₂ acts as a catalyst and breaks down harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and hydrocarbons into less harmful compounds like nitrates and carbon dioxide</li><li class="ql-indent-1">These coatings are low-cost, chemically stable, and easily compatible with traditional construction materials like concrete and asphalt</li><li class="ql-indent-1">Recently, Delhi government announced a feasibility study to evaluate its application in reducing air pollution.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunyaias.com/subscription-details/current-affairs-batch-2026-prelims-mains" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://sunyaias-resources.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/content/66815e97-9916-11f0-995f-e3c0a8897471.jpeg"></a> &nbsp;Telegram Link: <a href="https://t.me/sunyaias_CA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">https://t.me/sunyaias_CA</a>&nbsp;#Smog #AirPollution #SulfurousSmog #PhotochemicalSmog #NOx #SO2 #Ozone #Haze #RespiratoryHealth #PollutionControl #SmogEatingCoatings&nbsp;#Environment#UPSC2026 #UPSCPreparation #UPSCExam #UPSC_Prelims_2026 #CurrentAffairs #Current_Affairs_for_UPSC_Prelims #DailyCurrentAffairs #CA_for_Govt_Exams #The_Hindu_News #The_hindu_Current_Affairs #Sunya_IAS #Best_UPSC_Coaching #Best_Current_Affairs #CivilServices