No2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) is not classed as an asphyxiant, but it is a toxic gas that can cause serious health problems. It is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as 'oxides of nitrogen' or 'nitrogen oxides (NOx)'. Nitrogen Dioxide is produced from the burning of fossil fuels in cars, factories, and power plants. It can also be found in areas of high traffic, such as cities.
When breathed in, NO2 can irritate airways in the human respiratory system. This can cause coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to NO2 can lead to an increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and other lung diseases. It can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Subtitle Health Effects
Short-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can cause a range of health effects, such as eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Longer-term exposure to NO2 has been linked to an increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. It has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Subtitle Regulations
NO2 is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States. The EPA has set a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for NO2. This standard sets limits on the amount of NO2 that can be in the air. If these limits are exceeded, then action must be taken to reduce the amount of NO2 in the air.
