What exactly is "fog"?
From a meteorological perspective, fog is the condensation of tiny water droplets in the air. If the air is perfectly clean and contains nothing, fog is difficult to form because there are no "nucleation sites" (or "crystal seeds").Typically, air contains various impurities and particles. When these particles encounter water molecules in the air, they act as nucleation sites. Condensation occurs between the two, forming tiny water droplets and ice crystals. A large accumulation of these droplets creates fog. Essentially, fog is similar to clouds—clouds exist in the sky, while fog settles on the ground.Water droplets themselves pose no harm to humans. However, the situation changes when these droplets condense onto various small particles. What exactly are these "small particles"? Observations and studies reveal that particulate matter consists of unburned coal dust emitted from chimneys; complex visible and invisible substances from vehicle exhaust, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons;harmful components discharged from chemical plants; and various harmful substances stirred up from the ground, including dust, dust mites, and pathogenic microorganisms. Should one exercise outdoors during foggy mornings? Many people maintain a habit of morning exercise, persisting year-round regardless of weather.Experts emphasize that foggy weather is unsuitable for outdoor morning exercise. During exercise, the body requires increased oxygen intake, but harmful substances in the fog can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to oxygen deprivation and causing adverse symptoms like breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and palpitations. Therefore, morning exercise in foggy conditions is not recommended.
What illnesses can foggy weather trigger?
Triggering respiratory diseases: Smoggy weather significantly increases the risk of asthma flare-ups.This includes bronchial asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, and variant cough. During hazy weather, airborne particles like dust, soot, and dust mites circulate. When bronchial asthma patients inhale these allergens, it irritates the respiratory tract, causing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.While fog has minimal impact on healthy young adults, it poses greater risks to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Exacerbating Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Heavy fog worsens conditions for patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases. This occurs because low atmospheric pressure during dense fog can induce irritability, naturally elevating blood pressure.Additionally, foggy days are often colder. When individuals with hypertension or coronary heart disease suddenly move from warm indoor environments to cold outdoor conditions, their blood vessels undergo thermal expansion and contraction, further elevating blood pressure and increasing the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction.
Inducing respiratory infections in diabetics: While moderate outdoor exercise benefits blood sugar control for diabetics, severe air pollution during foggy days compromises air quality. Inhaling excessive fog can trigger lung and bronchial infections in diabetics with weakened immunity, worsening their condition.
How to stay healthy during foggy weather?
Beyond minimizing outdoor exposure and avoiding morning workouts as mentioned above, consider these two additional health practices:
Increase consumption of luohan guo tea: Luohan guo tea alleviates throat irritation caused by inhaling polluted air during foggy weather and effectively moisturizes the lungs. It is particularly beneficial when consumed in the afternoon. Since morning fog is densest and dissipates by noon, drinking it after noon helps promptly clear dust and impurities inhaled during the morning.Traditional Chinese medicine considers luo han guo the premier herb for clearing the throat, benefiting the lungs, suppressing coughs, and dissolving phlegm. Historically offered as tribute to imperial courts, it earned the reputation as the "fruit of immortals." A single luo han guo fruit can typically be steeped four to five times.
Manage Your Emotions: Gray, foggy days can easily lead to feelings of oppression, gloom, and low spirits. Foggy weather affects people psychologically because of insufficient sunlight, damp and cool air, weaker light, and lower atmospheric pressure. These conditions cause the human body to secrete more melatonin while reducing the concentration of thyroid hormones and adrenaline. As a result, nerve cells become less active, leaving the whole person feeling listless.Individuals with fragile mental states or psychological disorders may experience heightened feelings of heaviness, tension, and low spirits during such weather. Therefore, it is advisable for these individuals to consciously regulate their emotions on foggy days. Activities like watching comedy TV shows at home or listening to crosstalk performances can help lift spirits.