Final answer:
Fumes are often confused with smog, but while both are air contaminants, smog is a more complex mixture of air pollutants. Smog includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulates, which can significantly affect visibility and respiratory health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term fume is often confused with other types of contaminants such as smog or particulate matter. Smog is a type of air pollution that forms as a result of fossil fuel combustion, producing a mixture of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulates. It's characterized by a brownish haze that reduces visibility and can cause respiratory problems. Fumes, on the other hand, specifically refer to gases or vapors that are released into the air, often from chemical processes or combustion. While both fumes and smog are air contaminants, smog is more complex and involves a broader mix of air pollutants.
Contaminants like smog and particulate material can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. Particulate matter, particularly fine particles known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing various health issues. Understanding the difference between simple fumes and more complex forms of air pollution like smog is crucial in addressing environmental and health concerns.