Have you ever heard about nitrogen monoxide? It’s a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when nitrogen and oxygen react under high temperatures. How does it affect the environment, plants, and humans? Keep reading!
- What is nitrogen monoxide and how is it created?
- How does nitrogen monoxide influence humans and animals?
- How can you reduce your exposure to nitrogen monoxide?
- The takeaway
What is nitrogen monoxide and how is it created?
Nitrogen monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced when nitrogen and oxygen are mixed together, especially at high temperatures.
Nitrogen monoxide gas and its impact on the environment
Nitrogen monoxide can have negative effects on the environment by contributing to air pollution. When nitrogen monoxide is released into the air, it reacts with other pollutants to form smog, which can damage plants, reducing their ability to photosynthesize. In addition, nitrogen monoxide can contribute to the formation of acid rain that has a tremendous impact on plants, animals, and buildings. It can also make lakes and streams more acidic, which can harm fish and other aquatic creatures.
How does nitrogen monoxide influence humans and animals?
Inhaling nitrogen monoxide can cause a variety of respiratory problems in humans and animals. The list includes difficulty with breathing, coughing, and irritation of the lungs. It’s worth mentioning that nitrogen monoxide can be fatal at high concentrations. Nitrogen monoxide poisoning can occur if someone is exposed to very high concentrations of the gas, such as in a fire. Symptoms of nitrogen monoxide poisoning include chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you think you have been exposed to high concentrations of this gas, it’s important to get medical help immediately.
How can you reduce your exposure to nitrogen monoxide?
There are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to nitrogen monoxide:
- Avoid using gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mowers, in enclosed spaces.
- Don’t idle your car for long periods of time.
- Make sure your gas-burning appliances, such as furnaces and stoves, are properly ventilated.
- If you live in an area with a lot of air pollution, try to stay indoors if possible.
The takeaway
Knowing what nitrogen monoxide is will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your health and exposure to the gas. As you can see, the seemingly harmless formula can have a damaging effect on both the environment, animals and humans, so it’s important to monitor it.
Read also: how is smog created?