<unk>  is the illness resulting from the toxic effect of nitrogen<unk>  (). It usually occurs after the inhalation of the gas beyond the threshold limit value. Nitrogen<unk>  is reddish-brown with a very harsh smell at high concentrations, at lower concentrations it is colorless but may still have a harsh odour.<unk>  depends on the duration, frequency, and intensity of exposure. Nitrogen<unk>  is an irritant of the mucous membrane linked with another air pollutant that causes pulmonary diseases such as obstructive lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sometimes acute exacerbation of COPD and in fatal cases, deaths. Its poor solubility in water enhances its passage and its ability to pass through the moist oral mucosa of the respiratory tract. Like most toxic gases, the dose inhaled determines the toxicity on the respiratory tract. Occupational exposures constitute the highest risk of toxicity and domestic exposure is uncommon. Prolonged exposure to low concentration of the gas may have lethal effects, as can short-term exposure to high concentrations like chlorine gas poisoning. It is one of the major air pollutants capable of causing severe health hazards such as coronary artery disease as well as stroke. Nitrogen<unk>  is often released into the environment as a byproduct of fuel combustion but rarely released by spontaneous combustion. Known sources of nitrogen<unk>  gas poisoning include automobile exhaust and power stations. The toxicity may also result from non-combustible sources such as the one released from anaerobic fermentation of food grains and anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a global recommendation limiting exposures to less than 20 parts per billion for chronic exposure and value less 100 ppb for one hour for acute exposure, using nitrogen<unk>  as a marker for other pollutants from fuel combustion. There is a significant association between indoor levels and increased respiratory symptoms such as wheeze, chest tightness and severity of infections among children with asthma. Historically, some cities in the United States including Chicago and Los Angeles have higher levels of nitrogen<unk>  than the EPA maximum exposure limits of 100 ppb for a one-hour exposure and less than 53 ppb for chronic exposure.
Nitrogen dioxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Chlorine gas poisoning
Organophosphate poisoning
Oxygen toxicity
Cyanide poisoning
Barbiturate overdose
Nitrogen narcosis