Nitrogen Oxide (NO)

Nitrogen oxide (NO) – also known as nitric oxide – is an anthropogenic gas released by contact between nitric acid and many compounds. It can be found in many industries like wood (sawdust), explosives (dynamite), metals (engraving) and in high heat welding applications. This gas – which is partially responsible for atmospheric pollution – is exhausted by diesel-powered engines; that’s why it is present in underground parking garages.

Nitrogen oxide is a colorless gas featuring a sweet smell that can be pungent starting at 0.3 ppm. As it is slightly soluble into water, it reacts with water molecules to form nitric acid, which is very corrosive. In case of chronic exposure, this gas can have irreversible effects (poison gas); it is also very toxic by inhalation (R26) and might cause chemical burns (R34).