How bad is summer smog?
Summer smog is a type of air pollution which occurs during hot weather
in built-up urban areas and the surrounding countryside. It is formed when
nitrogen dioxide, largely the result of industrial and road traffic pollution,
reacts with hydrocarbons in sunlight to form ozone,
which can then be mixed with particles.
This type of smog is most likely to cause pollution episodes
which are a particular problem for those with existing health issues. For example, it can exacerbate
breathing difficulties in people with asthma. During very bad summer smog episodes, even a normally fit
and healthly person can experience irritation of the nose and throat, coughing and breathlessness.
- You can see a typical summer smog episode.
- Learn about the impacts of soot on air pollution and our climate here
- Find out more about the actions to tackle city air pollution here