Out of different oxides of nitrogen which of the following are considered as Air Pollutants and known as NO_X?

A. NO (Nitric Oxide)

B. NO₂ (Nitrogen dioxide)

C. NO₃ (Nitrogen trioxide)

D. N₂O (Nitrous oxide)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Key Points

NO (nitric oxide) and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) are the two main oxides of nitrogen that are considered as air pollutants. 

NO and NO2:

• NO and NO2 are formed when fuel is burned at high temperatures.
• NO is a reddish-brown gas that is a major component of smog.
• NO2 is a brown gas that is a major component of acid rain.
• Both NO and NO2 can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

The main sources of NO and NO2 emissions are:

• Power plants
• Vehicles
• Industrial processes
• Construction sites
• Wood burning

NO and NO2 can be reduced by using cleaner fuels, installing pollution control devices, and reducing emissions from vehicles.

Here are some of the harmful effects of NOx air pollutants:

• Respiratory problems: 
  • NOx can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
• Heart disease: 
  • ​NOx can increase the risk of heart disease by increasing inflammation and narrowing the arteries.
• Cancer: 
  • ​NOx can increase the risk of cancer by damaging DNA.
• Smog:
  • ​ NOx is a major component of smog, which can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
• Acid rain: 
  • NOx can react with atmospheric water vapour to form nitric acid, which can fall to Earth as acid rain. Acid rain can damage trees, lakes, and other ecosystems.

Hence, The correct answer is 1) A and B Only.