NO2 is present in the environment in a very small quantity. But due to our excessive use of resources and other activities, nitrogen dioxide level is increasing to a troublesome level. There are both natural and men-made causes of the formation of the no2 gas.
Volcano eruption or active volcanic sites.
Biological decay of waste for fertilizer
Lightning strikes- facilitates the formation of the NO₂ gas.
Natural processes in oceans produce NO₂
Car, truck, boats, and airplane emissions
Power plants
Ammonia-emitting fertilizers
Diesel-powered heavy machines
Kerosene and gas stoves
NO₂ is part of the NOx group of highly reactive gases. Whereas NO is a brownish acidic gas with pungent odor, it reacts with O₂ to form nitric acid responsible for corrosion. And it also plays role in the formation of other pollutants like smog, PM, and acid rain. It is a flame accelerator but itself non-combustible.
Altered lungs function
Breathing problem
Asthma
Reduced immunity
Irritation in airways
Coughing, breathing difficulty, wheezing
Heart failure
Reduced birth weight, high risk of premature death
excessive concentration of this gas:
Hazy air (smog)
Polluting water
Generates ground level O₃
Increases PM levels
Acid rain-forming an acidic compound with moisture present in the air
Affects the vegetation, growth of plants
NOx + other chemicals leads to formation of PM
Acts as a stressor to plants and results in ozone reduction
