Nitrogen Dioxide And Its Detection – A Brief Guide

Numerous toxic gaseous pollutants are lurking in the air without being noticed by the human senses. These pollutants and gases are either colorless or odorless and hence keep on hurting us without knowing. One of these gases is Nitrogen Dioxide NO2 which causes numerous health and environmental hazards. Industries and manufacturing factories inject this air pollutant into the air, causing adverse effects on human health and the environment. This article will explore this gas along with its hazards and detection. Stay with us to know more!

What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)?

Nitrogen Dioxide is a highly reactive gas composed of Nitrogen and Oxygen. The gas belongs to the family of Nitrogen Oxides NOX, which is known to be highly reactive oxides. Chemical reactions that make Ozone and other particle pollution in the air can be dedicated to this gas. When fossil fuels like coal and gas are burnt at a higher temperature, they release NO2 gas into the air.

There are six widespread air pollutants with national air quality standards, and NO2 is one of them. Not only is it created the outdoor, but also indoor. In oil and gas industries, when burning natural gas or fossil fuels, NO2 is produced and can harm workers. The best way to protect from excessive NO2 concentration in industrial premises is to install gas detectors. Call Gas detectors Dubai-based suppliers today and place your order.

How does it get in the air?

Nitrogen Dioxide NO2 gets in the air from various sources. These sources are a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Let us quickly go through them.

i) Outdoor activities:

Nitrogen Dioxide is emitted from burning fossil fuels, gases, and diesel at a higher temperature. Cars, trucks, and bus engines also release this gas, making the air quality pollutant. Various off-road equipment also causes Nitrogen Dioxide to emit into the open air. NO2 and other Nitrogen Oxides are highly reactive gases and can contribute to particle pollution.

ii) Indoor activities:

When it comes to indoor industrial activities, they also contribute to emitting excessive Nitrogen Dioxide into the air. Oil and gas industries often burn natural gas, coal, and fossil fuels inside industry premises. Doing so releases an excessive NO2 concentration in the air, leaving industrial workers at sake. The management must install NO2 sensors to detect this gaseous pollutant.

What are the effects of Nitrogen Dioxide?

NO2 gas can have various health and environmental hazards that you should know about. We have categorized these effects into health and environmental. Let us begin with health hazards.

i) Health hazards of NO2:

Breathing NO2 can pose a range of health hazards for industrial workers. Long-term exposure to this gas can produce cause lung and respiratory diseases. The respiratory symptoms can lead to Asthma if not dealt with on time. A list of the most common diseases caused by NO2 is given here.

  • Increased inflammation of the airways
  • Worsened coughing and wheezing
  • Reduced lung function
  • Increased Asthma attacks
  • Chances of lung cancer
  • Cardiovascular harm
  • Premature death chances

As mentioned, NO2 and its Oxides are highly reactive. These gases can form more toxic pollutants when reacting with other elements in the air. In most common, particular matters and Ozone are created, which is also harmful to the human respiratory system.

ii) Environmental effects of NO2:

Apart from health effects, there are various environmental effects of NO2, which can cause considerable damage. Following are these effects explained in detail.

  • Nitrogen Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides react with water and other atmospheric chemicals in the air. The resulting product is acidic rain which is harmful to sensitive ecosystems, lakes, and forests.
  • Another major issue caused by Nitrate particles that result from NOx is haze and visibility. These particles make the air hazy and difficult to see. The most affected area due to this reaction is the national parks that we often visit.
  • Nutrient pollution is another effect that we suffer due to NO2. The Nitrogen Oxides NOX contributes to nutrient pollution in coastal waters, leaving everyone affected.

How is it detected?

i) As discussed, NO2 is agas with national air quality standards. Areas with excessive NO2 concentrations must be monitored regularly. The state and local government must take steps to reduce NO2 emissions to make the environment clean.

ii) Industry owners and management should ensure the installation of effective gas detectors across the entire plant. Doing so will keep the NO2 concentration under the eye. Contact gas detectors Dubai-based suppliers today to place your order.

Make your Industry safer with gas detectors!

Various industries are prone to toxic gases and hazardous materials due to their operations. The best way to ensure worker’s and workspace safety is to install gas detectors across the entire plant. Get in touch with gas detectors suppliers today and place your order!