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There are no EPA monitors for nitrogen oxide (NOx) in Washtenaw County. However, NOx levels are generally dropping nationwide. This indicator is included because NOx is one of the six criteria pollutants monitored by EPA.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Last updated: March 2008 |
What are Nitrogen oxide gases?
Nitrogen oxides, or NOx, is the generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. Many of the nitrogen oxides are colorless and odorless. However, one common pollutant, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) along with particles in the air can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas. Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, as in a combustion process. The primary manmade sources of NOx are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels. NOx can also be formed naturally. (EPA)
How do Nitrogen oxide gases affect the environment?
NOx causes a wide variety of health and environmental impacts because of various compounds and derivatives in the family of nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, nitrates, and nitric oxide. These impacts include:
For more information visit the EPA NOx webpage.
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