What is nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a kind of reddish brown, pungent smell of toxic gas, easily soluble in water, can help combustion, has a strong oxidation. Nitrogen dioxide plays an important role in the formation of ozone and is one of the causes of acid rain.

Cities polluted by nitrogen dioxide

The source of nitrogen dioxide

Man-made nitrogen dioxide mainly comes from the release of high-temperature combustion processes, such as vehicle exhaust emissions, coal-fired power plants, industrial waste gas emissions, etc. Atmospheric nuclear tests are also a source of nitrogen dioxide, which accounts for the reddish mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion.

The harm of nitrogen dioxide

Hazard Index: LV2

Inhaling nitrogen dioxide can cause toxic reactions, but it is so irritating that poisoning accidents can be easily avoided. Nitrogen dioxide mainly damages the respiratory tract. At the beginning of inhalation, only mild eye and upper respiratory irritation symptoms, such as pharynx discomfort, dry cough, etc. Often through a few hours to more than ten hours or longer after the incubation period of delayed lung edema, adult respiratory distress syndrome, chest tightness, respiratory distress, cyanosis, can be complicated pneumothorax and mediastinal emphysema. Delayed obstructive bronchiolitis may occur about two weeks after the pulmonary edema has subsided.

Nitrogen dioxide also pollutes water, soil and the atmosphere. Resulting in reduced atmospheric visibility, acidification of surface waters, eutrophication (lack of oxygen due to algae blooming in the water rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus), and increased levels of toxins in the water that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life.