Ecologist Explains Cause of Chemical Fog in Omsk

Omsk was enveloped in acrid chemical smog the evening before — the smell of smoke was felt in the air, and visibility on the roads was reduced. To prevent accidents, the traffic police asked Omsk residents to be more careful on the highways.

«Fog formation is observed in our region, which motorists driving on suburban roads should primarily take into account,» reported the traffic police.

Federal expert — head of environmental programs of the All-Russian public organization «Green Patrol» Roman Pukalov explained to NGS55.RU the nature of the chemical fog«s origin. According to the ecologist, the phenomenon is caused by NMU conditions — unfavorable meteorological conditions and emissions from industrial enterprises.

«Under NMU conditions, the dispersion of pollutants is hindered. With temperature inversion, pollution also accumulates near the ground surface. This is when there is a layer of cold air at a height from the ground (a «lid»), and the heated air does not rise up, but together with all pollutants remains below,» explained Roman Pukalov.

According to the ecologist, what is happening in Omsk is abnormal. When the air is clean, even in fog, it«s easy to breathe. But it»s hard to call Omsk«s atmosphere clean. While large industrial giants invest huge funds in the »Clean Air« program, hundreds of small enterprises in the city are in no hurry to do so.

Earlier, Omsk residents were explained why black smoke is coming from the pipes of TPP-5.