Los Angeles was notorious for smog that would last many days and was a severe health hazard. What was the cause of this problem and why has California’s strict auto emissions standards now made his problem minor?
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 3
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If I remember correctly, pollution from cars (which includes oxides of Nitrogen, Sulphur, and Carbon as well as traces of unburnt fuel) drifted up into the upper atmosphere where sunlight energy caused it to react with atmospheric Ozone (amongst other things) to form a complex set of chemicals which formed noxious smog. I read that the problem was made worse in valleys and depressions due to atmospheric temperature inversions, which acted like a 'lid' keep the smog trapped and brewing up like tea. The improvement came with catalytic converters, which tend to more completely oxidise the engine exhaust products, as well as through increased engine efficiency via electronic engine management. (Corrections welcomed!)
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Los Angles is sorounded by hills.There is also alot coming from airports.Now cars burn the fuel more efficeinty .Older cars were also heavier and didnt have cathletic converters and emmision control sensors on them.1 car back then would pollute as much as 17 cars now.
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Even though the situation has obviously been improved, I believe the pollution in L.A. is still considered a pretty serious problem. The geographical layout of the city is one of the main problems and obviously, there isn't much that can be done about that so it's up to the auto industries and airlines.
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