Smog affects country's power distribution system

ISLAMABAD: The smog blanketing large parts of Punjab is not only affecting the air people breath but is also affecting power distribution. 

A statement released by the power division stated that the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) on Friday acted to save different cities of the country from a blackout after 200 and 500KV grid stations were affected by smog. 

The thick fog blanketing areas of Punjab is proving to be a challenge for the transmission system, added the Power Division statement. 

Four nuclear power plants, Chashma I-IV, have been shut down in addition to four other power plants producing 4,250mw of electricity. 

Due to various power plants being shut down, there is a likelihood of load-shedding increasing in the country. 

An emergency plan will be put into action to deal with the issues faced by power division, added the statement. 

Residents of various parts of Punjab continue to face health and commutation problems as smog engulfs most parts of the province, including province's capital Lahore.

What is smog?

Smog, also known as ground-level ozone, is a thick yellowish black fog which suspends in the air.

It is caused when air pollution, emissions and fumes combine with fog and sunlight, forming a thick layer of smoke-like film in the atmosphere. According to experts, emissions from industries and vehicles and cutting of trees worsen the phenomenon.

Smog continues to choke Punjab

As many as 12 people have been injured in a traffic accident involving a tractor trolly due to smog at Vehari

The Met Office has released a weather warning describing the smog — comprising nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other aerosols — as a result of cold high pressure in the upper atmosphere. Suspended matter accumulates in the lower atmosphere, colliding with water vapour which causes a chain reaction that produces smog.

People may experience short-term skin and respiratory conditions such as eye irritation, coughing, throat/chest irritation and skin irritation as a result of smog.

Health experts recommend artificial tears for eyes as one way of dealing with smog. The public is also advised to adopt preventative measures such as avoiding the outdoors and using face masks when going out, especially young children, elderly and patients.