Tamag, Johnlen U.

PolSc 34 4:00-5:00 MWF P206

Piocos, Rollyn Dee D.

THE STRIKING PROBLEM OF SMOG IN METROPOLITAN MANILA

 Smog is basically derived from the merging of two words: smoke and fog. Smog is a yellowish or
blackish fog formed mainly by a mixture of pollutants in the atmosphere which consists of fine
particles and ground level ozone.
 Smog is a problem commonly among cities, especially highly urbanized cities.
 Metropolitan Manila is undeniably the most air polluted area in the Philippines as seen evidently
not just in studies conducted by scientists or whosoever but in the actual environment
witnessed by people. With so many types of substance/s contributing to air pollution, Metro
Manila really became the worst in terms of atmospheric quality in the Philippines.
 Smog is produced by a set of complex photochemical reactions involving volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides and sunlight, which form ground-level ozone.
 Smog-forming pollutants come from many sources such as automobile exhaust, power plants,
factories and many consumer products, including paint, hairspray, charcoal starter fluid,
chemical solvents, and even plastic popcorn packaging.
 Major smog occurrences often are linked to heavy traffic, and high temperatures, sunshine and
calm winds. In the case of Manila, it is often seen on the first day of the year.
 Smog is harmful to humans, animals, plants and the nature as a whole.
o To humans:
*lead to several types of short-term health problems including coughing, throat or chest
irritation
*worsening of asthma
*difficulty in breathing and lung damage
*can cause eye and nose irritation
*interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection, increasing susceptibility to illness
*can also lead to cold and pneumonia
o To animals and plants:
*inhibit plants growth
*causes immense damage to crops and forests
*crops and vegetables (soybeans, wheat, tomatoes, peanuts, etc.) are subject to
infection when exposed to smog
*can also cause death of animals due to toxic environment
o To weather:
*can delay rain, affect rainfall amount and atmospheric stability
 Government Course of Action:
o Anti-smoking belching programs
o Implementation of vehicle inspection system and proper maintenance of vehicles
o Public Awareness campaign
o Provision of air monitoring stations in Metro Manila
o Motor vehicle reduction program
o Program on the use of clean and alternative fuel

http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/air/aq4kids/smog.asp
http://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/smog/
http://www.rappler.com/science-nature/environment/87244-shades-gray-haze-metro-manila