When an area becomes covered in smog, the people feel the effects immediately.  Unlike other problems, which may be harder to understand and visualize, smog creates immediate problems that everyone will experience.

Smog creates many harmful health effects.  It can cause anything from minor pain to deadly diseases such as lung cancer.  Smog slowly ruins people's lungs to an extent as great as that of cigarettes.

The human body has difficulty defending itself against the harms of smog.  Smog can irritate and inflame pulmonary membranes, causing chest pains, coughing, and throat irritation.  Other illnesses such as colds and pneumonia can also be brought on by exposure to smog.

People with asthma problems are under an even greater threat.  Even minor exposure to smog may cause these people to get asthma attacks.

Mexico City has the world's worst levels of smog.  As a result, children and the elderly are advised not to live in the city.  The heavy smog levels have had serious health effects in the city, though many poorer people who need city jobs have to live there and suffer from the smog.

Smog is not only a city problem.  As smog levels increase, winds are carrying smog away from urban areas and harming people and ecosystems far away.

Agriculture is also hurt by smog.  Soybeans, wheat, tomatoes, peanuts, lettuce, and cotton are all subject to infection when exposed to smog.