Issue+Background+Info+apwp3

= = toc =Issue= The issue that our NGO is working on is smog.

=Background=

Smog
The term smog is a combination of "smoke" and "fog". Smog is a mixture of gases that often forms a brownish-yellow haze. Smog is usually formed over urban areas. Smog is made out of ground level ozone, nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), acidic aerosols and other gases.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Nitrogen Oxide is a gas that comes out when you use fossil fuels. It causes smog.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Volatile organic compunds are harmful chemicalse that evaporate easily at room temperature. It causes smog.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
It is a colorless, poisonous gas or liquid with a strong odor. It causes smog

Transportation
Transportation is one of the main sources of pollution in China. The burning of fossil fuels to power machines such as cars, trucks ,buses, recreational vehicles and gardening equipment contributes a great part in forming smog. Transportation is the source of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx).

Electricity Generation and Industry
Electricity generation produces large amounts of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) which contributes to smog. Industries also produce NOx and SO2

Other Sources
= =
 * Solvent use is a source of VOC emission
 * Industrial energy use is a source of NOx and SO2

Effects

 * Irritate your respiratory system. It might make you to start coughing, feel an irritation in your throat and feel uncomfortable in your chest.
 * Reduce lung function. It makes it more difficult for you to breathe as deeply as you normally would.
 * Can aggravate asthma**.**.
 * Inflame and damage cells that line your lungs. As time pass, dead cells and old cells are replaced with new cells
 * May aggravate chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis and reduce the immune system's ability to fight off bacterial infections in the respiratory system.
 * May cause permanent lung damage. Damage to children's developing lungs may lead to reduced lung function in adulthood.

= = = =