No2 Research Paper

Words: 951
Pages: 4

What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)?

Nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, is a gaseous air pollutant

composed of nitrogen and oxygen. It is chemically related

to nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide), a colorless gas with

the chemical formula NO. NO2 forms when fossil fuels

such as coal, oil, gas or diesel are burned at high

temperatures. NO2 also mixes in the outdoor air to form particle pollution and ozone. NO2 is also

referred to as Nitrogen (IV) Oxide.

NO2 is one of the nitrogen oxides (NOx), a group of air pollutants produced from combustion

processes. In urban outdoor air, the presence of NO2 is mainly due to traffic. Nitric oxide (NO),

which is emitted by motor vehicles or other combustion processes, combines with oxygen in the

atmosphere, producing NO2. Indoor
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Exposure to NO2 may affect health independently of any effects of other pollutants. However,

because its presence is closely linked to the formation or presence of other air pollutants, it is

difficult to establish the health effects attributable to NO2 alone.

How is NO2 found in the atmosphere formed and where does it come from?

There are several ways of making NO2. First, there is the laboratory method, which involves

dropping a piece of copper foil into concentrated nitric acid (using a fume cupboard, if you don't

mind). Within seconds, the metal dissolves, forming a green-blue solution of copper nitrate and

brown fumes. Additional, NO2 is also formed by a car engine. Modern cars have catalytic

converters, and one of their functions is to catalyze the conversion of NO2 back into nitrogen and

oxygen. In the past, though, this NO2 escaped into the air. Even today, the air round some large

cities with high levels of car ownership can take on a distinctly brown tinge. This is bad news, as

NO2 is of course very toxic. When there is a temperature inversion above a city, a layer of