Nitrogen

Nitrogen

Nitrogen compounds, primarily the oxides, arise principally from high-temperature combustion in the form of nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide. These gases, demonstrated to cause respiratory problems, are of particular concern in closed spaces. Another oxide of nitrogen, nitrate, may arise from fertilizer, sewage waste, and to a lesser extent, conversion of nitrogen dioxide to nitrate by atmospheric electrical activity. Nitrate most frequently appears in water though it may, when occurring in large amounts in soils, be present in certain plants. Nitrate, even at moderate levels, is a particular hazard to the infant.