Warning! Be careful of Photochemical Smog

Oita Godo Newspaper (page 11, evening edition on May 15, 2008)

                In May last year, ‘Photochemical Smog Warning’ was announced for the first time at Tsukumi city. This year also, there is a worry of its cover from May to September.  The prefectural Health Center gives a caution that “the photochemical smog can influence the human body. As soon as the warning is announced, everyone should avoid going outside and prepare any proper prevention.”

                Once gases like nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere have a reaction with the ultraviolet rays, they become photochemical oxidants appearing in the form of smog we see. This is one of the air pollution. In a not windy day when the ultraviolet is strong, the photochemical oxidants make the sky become white, buildings look hazy hard to see, eyes and throats hurt, and asthmatic diseases can be activated.

                In Oita prefecture, there are 19 warning centers for citizens’ safety. The warning is divided into 4 levels by considering from the density of photochemical oxidants in the air; 1-forcast, 2-be aware of, 3-alaming, 4-severe alarming.

Comment:    I did not expect this bad result from the smog before. Anyway, after getting to know it, let’s take care of our health. Also, do not ignore to warn your  families and friends!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS3, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University