Quantcast
Advertisement

Nitrogen Oxide

Last updated: November 14, 2018

What Does Nitrogen Oxide Mean?

Nitrogen oxide is a common term for mono-nitrogen oxides viz. nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Its chemical formula is (NOx). It is formed when nitrogen (N2) comes in contact or reacts with oxygen (O2). It is a group of highly reactive gases, toxic and one of the causes of acid rain. It does not have any odor or color. It is produced by human activity and when fossil fuels are burned at high temperatures. It is considered to be a pollutant.

Advertisement

Corrosionpedia Explains Nitrogen Oxide

Nitrogen oxide is a group of highly reactive gases, which occurs when there is a reaction between nitrogen and oxygen. Its forms are nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is considered a pollutant and causes the environment to be acidic and corrosive. It is formed when nitric oxide and other forms of nitrogen oxides react with air chemicals, leading to a nitrogen dioxide buildup.

In major cities, vehicles contribute approximately 80% of the ambient NO2. It is also manufactured from nitric acid, and used in explosives and welding. Other sources include metal and crude oil refining, food processing and commercial manufacturing.

Nitrogen dioxide can cause lung irritation and infections, and can lower resistance to disease. Sensitivity is elevated for individuals with respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. When it is converted to nitric acid, deposits add up, causing acidification of lakes and metal corrosion, rubber degradation and fading of fabrics.

Therefore, industries should do their best to control nitrogen dioxide emissions, such as by using the newest abatement techniques to counter the corrosive effects of this particular pollutant gas.

Advertisement

Share This Term

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Trending Articles

Go back to top