photochemical smog
Sun-cooked car exhaust
Photochemical smog is air pollution formed when sunlight triggers chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, typically from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.
The result is a hazy, brownish mixture containing ozone and other irritants that reduces visibility and aggravates respiratory conditions.
Unlike smoke-based smog, it peaks on sunny days: Los Angeles is notorious for its photochemical smog.
Combustion byproducts harming air quality
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- hydrocarbonsCarbon-hydrogen organic compounds
- ultraviolet radiationLight beyond visible violet
- radicalsAdvocates for fundamental change
aldehydes · ketones · reactivity · catalysts · tropospheric · solar radiation
Warm layer over cold
- thermal inversionWarm air trapping cold
- meteorologyStudy of atmospheric phenomena
- stagnant airAtmosphere lacking movement
- high pressureStrong force per area
sunlight · summer · windless · humidity · clear skies · warm temperatures · topography
Southern California metropolis
- trafficMovement along routes
- automobilesSelf-propelled road vehicles
- vehicle emissionsPollutants from motorized transport
- industrial emissionsPollutants released by manufacturing
urban sprawl · highways · Beijing · Mexico City · Delhi · São Paulo · Athens · congestion
Murky atmospheric suspension
- scatteringDistribution in many directions
- aerosolsSuspended particles in gas
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- skylineUrban profile against atmosphere
Sickness affecting breathing organs
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- eye irritationDiscomfort in the organ of sight
- coughingForceful air expulsion reflex
wheezing · shortness of breath · inflammation · cardiovascular effects · lung function · mortality · vulnerable populations · children
Federal pollution standards law
- emission controlsRestrictions on released pollutants
- catalytic convertersExhaust system emission reducers
- smog checksVehicle pollution compliance tests
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
nitrogen oxides
Combustion byproducts harming air quality
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- hydrocarbonsCarbon-hydrogen organic compounds
- ultraviolet radiationLight beyond visible violet
radicals · aldehydes · ketones · reactivity · catalysts · tropospheric · solar radiation
temperature inversion
Warm layer over cold
- thermal inversionWarm air trapping cold
- meteorologyStudy of atmospheric phenomena
- stagnant airAtmosphere lacking movement
high pressure · sunlight · summer · windless · humidity · clear skies · warm temperatures · topography
Los Angeles
Southern California metropolis
- trafficMovement along routes
- automobilesSelf-propelled road vehicles
- vehicle emissionsPollutants from motorized transport
industrial emissions · urban sprawl · highways · Beijing · Mexico City · Delhi · São Paulo · Athens · congestion · rush hour
haze
Murky atmospheric suspension
- scatteringDistribution in many directions
- aerosolsSuspended particles in gas
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
respiratory illness
Sickness affecting breathing organs
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
- bronchitisInflamed airway disease
- eye irritationDiscomfort in the organ of sight
coughing · wheezing · shortness of breath · inflammation · cardiovascular effects · lung function · mortality · vulnerable populations · children · elderly
Clean Air Act
Federal pollution standards law
- emission controlsRestrictions on released pollutants
- catalytic convertersExhaust system emission reducers
- smog checksVehicle pollution compliance tests
photochemical smogindustrial smog
Airborne manufacturing waste particles
photochemical smogclean air
Uncontaminated breathable gas
fresh air · pure air · clear skies · unpolluted air · mountain air
photo, chemical, photosynthesis, photosynthetic, photolysis, photochemical, photochemistry, photoreaction, phototropic