rikkidioksiid

Rikkidioksiid, also known as nitrogen dioxide, is a chemical compound with the formula NO2. It is a reddish-brown gas at standard temperature and pressure, with a characteristic pungent odor. Nitrogen dioxide is a significant air pollutant, primarily produced from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and industrial processes. It is a key component of smog and contributes to the formation of acid rain.

Nitrogen dioxide is a strong oxidizing agent and can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form secondary pollutants, such as nitric acid and particulate matter. It also plays a role in the depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. In the human body, nitrogen dioxide can cause respiratory irritation and inflammation, and prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a standard for nitrogen dioxide in the ambient air, with a maximum allowable concentration of 100 parts per billion (ppb) over an 8-hour period. Exceeding this standard can lead to health warnings and advisories. Various technologies and strategies are employed to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions, including the use of catalytic converters in vehicles, the implementation of emission control measures in industrial processes, and the promotion of renewable energy sources.