Nitrogen Oxides
The term nitrogen oxide or NOx is used to refer to all 6 of the oxides of nitrogen. A mixture of these can be produced during combustion. They are irritating to the lungs (they form part of the Los Angeles smog, for example), produce ozone when they react with the air, and contribute to acid rain, which damages and can even kill trees. They are also greenhouse gases, and therefore contribute to global warming and are regulated under the Kyoto Protocol.
Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight interacts with nitrogen dioxide and other emissions from cars and power plants. It is generated in greater quantities when air temperatures are high.
Nitric oxide (NO) is toxic. It is an air pollutant produced by automobile engines and power plants. It is very unstable, reacting with the oxygen in air to produce nitrogen dioxide.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is also known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide. It is used as an aerosol propellant. It is also known as laughing gas, and is used as an analgesic by dentists. If it displaces enough oxygen in the "air" that is being breathed in, it can cause death.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a poisonous gas. It is a major air pollutant.
The other 3 oxides of Nitrogen are Dinitrogen trioxide (N2O3), Dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) and Dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5).
In the USA, the EPA has plans for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Reduction under the Acid Rain Program. The technology exists to remove NOx emissions from coal-fired power plants. Pollution cuts can save lives.
Links
Nitrogen Oxide Wikipedia
NOx Wikipedia
Articles
Bush Urges Congress to Pass Proposal AP April 22 2005(nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury, USA)
Ohio Power Plant Agrees to Cut Pollution AP March 18 2005
Could cuts in emissions come faster? Christian Science Monitor March 17 2005
US pollution cuts could save 17,000 lives a year New Scientist March 11 2005
EPA Orders Smog, Soot Reductions to Benefit People Downwind from Power Plants AP March 11 2005
City deaths rise with ozone levels New Scientist November 16 2004
Kitchen air pollution risk revealed NS December 17 2001 (gas cookers, nitrogen dioxide )
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