Do you think that more should be done to reduce NOx emissions?

Nitrogen Oxides

The term nitrogen oxide or NOx is used to refer to all 6 of the oxides of nitrogen. A mixture of these can be produced during combustion. They are irritating to the lungs (they form part of the Los Angeles smog, for example), produce ozone when they react with the air, and contribute to acid rain, which damages and can even kill trees. They are also greenhouse gases, and therefore contribute to global warming and are regulated under the Kyoto Protocol.

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight interacts with nitrogen dioxide and other emissions from cars and power plants. It is generated in greater quantities when air temperatures are high.

Nitric oxide (NO) is toxic. It is an air pollutant produced by automobile engines and power plants. It is very unstable, reacting with the oxygen in air to produce nitrogen dioxide.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is also known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide. It is used as an aerosol propellant. It is also known as laughing gas, and is used as an analgesic by dentists. If it displaces enough oxygen in the "air" that is being breathed in, it can cause death.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a poisonous gas. It is a major air pollutant.

The other 3 oxides of Nitrogen are Dinitrogen trioxide (N₂O₃), Dinitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄) and Dinitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅).

In the USA, the EPA has plans for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Reduction under the Acid Rain Program. The technology exists to remove NOx emissions from coal-fired power plants. Pollution cuts can save lives.

Recent news stories involving Nitrogen Oxides and smog include:

• Calif. Adopts Nation's Toughest Smog Law April 29 2005
• Advocacy Group Reports Less Air Pollution April 28 2005
• China Eyes Turbines at Sea to Boost Wind Power April 25 2005
• Bush Urges Congress to Pass Proposal April 22 2005
• Report: EPA Mercury Plan to Achieve Cuts April 21 2005
• EPA Gets More Time to Address Park Haze April 16 2005
• Mercury in Fish Prompt Broader N.Y. Ban April 15 2005
• EPA Likely to Miss Nat'l Parks Deadline April 14 2005
• House Set to Pass Cheaper Energy Bill April 14 2005
• Ohio Power Plant Agrees to Cut Pollution March 18 2005

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