Nitrogen Dioxide

Paper Summary:

The paper identifies the chemical and physical properties of nitrogen dioxide and its sources in the environment. The paper discusses its interaction in the environment, its effects on the human body and its toxicity. The paper also looks at emission standards for nitrogen dioxide gases and provides suggestions for reducing reactive nitrogen dioxide exposure.

Outline:
Chemical and Physical Data
Occurrence/Sources in the Environment
Interaction in the Environment
Effects on the Human Body
Toxicity
Regulations
Suggestions for Action

From the Paper:

"Nitrogen Dioxide or NO2 is a red-brown or yellow liquid, which becomes a colorless solid at a specific temperature (EPA 2007). It is a non-combustible component of automotive exhaust fumes. It can be derived during the intermediate stage in the oxidation of ammonia to nitric acid. It is highly poisonous and even fatal when inhaled. Tolerance in the air is at 5 ppm. Nitrogen dioxide can react strongly with reducing materials. It occurs as environmental tobacco smoke and artificially as kerosene heaters, un-vented gas stoves and heaters. Among its effects on health are irritations on the eyes, nose and throat; pulmonary edema and diffused lung injury; chronic bronchitis; decreased lung function; and increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in young children (US Environmental Protection Agency)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Belanger, K., et al (2006). Association of indoor nitrogen dioxide exposure with respiratory symptoms in children with asthma. 10 pages. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine: American Thoracic Society
• Bohan, S. (2007). Nitrogen overdose. 4 pages. Oakland Tribune: ANG Newspapers
• Fields, S. (2004). Global nitrogen. cycling out of control. 9 pages. Environmental Health Perspectives: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• Osenga, M (2005). EPA Proposes stationary diesel emissions regulations. 3 pages. Diesel Progress: Diesel and Gas Turbine Publications
• Peckham, J. (2000). EPA lab tests show combined Pm/Nox trap close to hitting 2007 limits. 2 pages. Diesel Fuel News: PBI Media LLC

More papers on Nitrogen Dioxide:

• Term Paper # 149375 : "Pollutants in the Air"
• Research Paper # 29314 : "Air Pollution"
• Essay # 43885 : "Gases and Divers"

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