Detect Airborne Hazards Using ChemSee Dosimeters

Nitrogen dioxide is a colorless pungent gas at temperatures above 21.1 C. It may be detected in air by its odor at concentrations as low as 1 ppm. It is present in vast amounts in our environments, mainly because it is produced during fuel combustion. The most important source of NO2 is the combustion of fuels, including natural gas, LPG, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, oil, and coal. Production of nitric acid and related compounds also results in some NO2 emissions. In ordinary circumstances, NO2 will form acidic deposits in a relatively short time; therefore, most exposures occur near the source: the kitchen, the fireplace, city roads, poorly ventilated offices, and garages. The permissible exposure limits are 1 ppm as measured on an 8-hour time weighted average and 2 ppm as a 15-minute short-term exposure limit. Appropriate action should be taken at the 0.5 ppm level. Only mild warning effects are noticeable at low concentrations because of the low solubility of NO2 in water. Serious effects may appear 1-3 days after exposure.