Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is considered responsible for atmospheric pollution. As a consequence, this gas is a major indicator for air quality monitoring agencies. It is notably produced during the internal combustion of diesel-powered engines and can be found in any area with these vehicles (mines, garages, car parks…). NO2 is also widely used in the chemical industry for example for nitric acid (HNO3) synthesis.

Nitrogen dioxide effects on health

Nitrogen dioxide is a yellow-brown gas with a pungent smell from 0.2 ppm. This gas is irritating to the eyes (R36) and respiratory system (R37). It is very toxic by inhalation (R26) as well and can cause burns (R34). Non-flammable and non-explosive, nitrogen dioxide is a strong oxidizer that can ignite combustion, its reactivity with many chemical compounds (chloride compounds, benzene) can produce explosive gaseous mixtures.