Volatile organic compounds respiratory irritants

Ware JH, Spengler JD, Neas LM, Samet JM, Wagner GR, Coultas D, Ozkaynak H, Schwab M (1993) Respiratory and irritant health effects of ambient volatile organic compounds. The Kanawha County Health Study. Am J Epidemiol, 137(12) 1287-1301. 

So what are nitrogen oxides Where does they come from And why is there a concern about the amount that enters the atmosphere Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a brownish, highly reactive gas that is present in all urban atmospheres. N02 can irritate the lungs, cause bronchitis and pneumonia, and lower resistance to respiratory infections. Nitrogen oxides are an important precursor both to ozone (Oj) and acid rain, and may affect both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The major mechanism for the formation of NO2 in the atmosphere is the oxidation of the primary air pollutant, nitric oxide (NO). NOx plays a major role, together with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), in the atmospheric... 

Formaldehyde is one of several volatile organic compounds. Indoor sources of formaldehyde include particleboard, plywood, fibre board, panelling, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and some carpets and furniture, as well as some household chemicals. Formaldehyde is a well-known irritant of the upper respiratory tract. Other problems may include IgE sensitisation to formaldehyde, and the possibility that formaldehyde exposure increases the risk of IgE sensitisation to common aeroallergens. In a study in Australia it was shown that low-level exposure to indoor formaldehyde may increase the risk of IgE sensitisation to common aeroallergens in school children [311(111)]. 

Low-molecular mass carbonyls are among the most abundant and ubiquitous volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. They are produced from industrial activity and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. Many aldehydes are also emitted indoors (plastic, foam insulation, lacquers, etc.). As a source of free radicals, aldehydes play an important role in the ozone formation, in urban smog events, as well as in the photochemistry of the unpolluted troposphere. Aldehydes are recognized irritants of the eye and respiratory tract, and often, carcinogenic and mutagenic characteristics are also attributed to them. 

Isocyanates are volatile organic compounds widely used in industry for products such as printing inks, adhesives, two-pack paints (particularly in vehicle body shops) and in the manufacture of plastics (polyurethane products). They are irritants and sensitizers. Inflammation of the nasal passages, the throat and bronchitis are typical reactions to many isocyanates. When a person becomes sensitized to an isocyanate, very small amounts of the substance often provoke a serious reaction similar to an extreme asthma attack. Isocyanates also present a health hazard to fire fighters. They are subject to a workplace exposure limit (WEL) and respiratory protective equipment should normally be worn. Two-pack polyurethane paints and varnishes are used in construction as surface coatings. 

Volatile organic compounds compounds that evaporate from many housekeeping, maintenance, and building products made from organic chemicals Vomiting agent compounds that cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and involuntary vomiting... 

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