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NITROGEN OXIDES
Citation:
NITROGEN OXIDES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/1-77/013 (NTIS PB264872), 1977.
Description:
This report is a review of current knowledge of the environmental health basis for control of manmade sources of nitrogen oxide emissions. The literature review covered the period through 1974. The principal subject areas considered in the report include: sources and control of atmospheric nitrogen oxides; analytical methodology; concentrations and chemical reactions in the atmosphere; and the effects of nitrogen oxides on human health, materials, vegetation, light transmission, and natural ecosystems. Emphasis is primarily on nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), designated by the composite formula NOx for nitrogen oxides. The major manmade source is the combustion of fossil fuel. Highest atmospheric concentrations are found in heavily populated, industrialized urban areas. Both acute and chronic health effects resulting from short-term and long-term exposures, are discussed in the report. Effects range from slight increases in airway resistance to death depending upon exposure concentrations.