Nitrogen Dioxide Poisoning
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a colorless and odorless gas that is one of the most common air pollutants emitted by a variety of sources. It is a component of air pollution and is known to have a variety of deleterious effects on both human health and the environment. The primary sources of nitrogen dioxide are motor vehicle exhaust, factory emissions and residential heating. With the increasing demand for energy due to global economic growth, emissions of nitrogen dioxide and other air pollutants are also increasing.
There is a clear relationship between concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in the air and adverse health effects. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide has been linked to respiratory illness such as asthma, COPD, and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of nitrogen dioxide exposure. The World Health Organization considers nitrogen dioxide concentrations of greater than 40 μg/m3 to be unsafe.
Environmental impacts of nitrogen dioxide include its contribution to the formation of acid rain and smog. Nitrogen dioxide reacts with other air pollutants to form more toxic components such as ozone and nitrous acid, which can cause significant damage to the environment, including harming agricultural crops, vegetation, and aquatic ecosystems.
The most effective way to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere is to reduce emissions from those sources that contribute most substantially to its presence: motor vehicles, factories, and home heating. To reduce emissions from motor vehicles, a variety of methods can be employed, including improved combustion technology and reductions in vehicular traffic in cities through measures such as road pricing and increased use of public transportation. Reducing emissions from factories can be accomplished in various ways, such as using cleaner burning fuels or by providing incentives for the installation of nitrate filtering devices. Reducing emissions from residential heating systems can be done through the adoption of clean burning fuels, the weatherization of buildings, and the installation of efficient heating equipment.
Nitrogen dioxide poisoning is a serious health risk, but with concerted international efforts, it is possible to reduce levels of this toxin in the atmosphere. By reducing emissions from the major sources of nitrogen dioxide and increasing awareness of its health and environmental effects, it is possible to make a lasting difference in protecting public health and the environment.
