Health and Environmental Impacts of Nox: An Ultra- Low Level of Nox (Oxides of Nitrogen) Achievable with A New Technology

The damages to human health and environment result because of various compounds and derivatives in the family of nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, nitrates, and nitric oxide. Nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere contribute to photochemical smog, to the formation of acid rain precursors, to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere and to global warming. On the contrary, an increase in Ozone (O3) concentration related to NOx emissions has been observed analyzing chemical and transport processes in the troposphere. Ozone can be transported by wind currents and can cause health impacts far from original sources. Ground-level Ozone (Smog) is formed when NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and people who work or exercise outside, are susceptible to adverse effects such as damage to lung tissue and reduction in lung function. Other impacts from ozone include damaged vegetation and reduced crop yields.