Indoor Air Quality Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 6, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the two most prevalent oxides of nitrogen are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO). Both are toxic gases with nitrogen dioxide being a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive.

Nitrogen dioxide primarily gets in the air from the burning of fuel. It forms from emissions from vehicles, power plants and off-road equipment. Indoors, the primary sources listed by EPA also come from combustion processes. These may include:

• Unvented combustion appliances, such as gas stoves
• Vented appliances with defective installations
• Welding
• Tobacco smoke
• Kerosene heaters

Potential health effects associated with exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide listed by EPA include:

• NO₂acts mainly as an irritant affecting the mucosa of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract
• Extremely high-dose exposure (as in a building fire) may result in pulmonary edema and diffuse lung injury
• Continued exposure to high levels can contribute to the development of acute or chronic bronchitis
• Low level NO₂exposure may cause:
  • Increased bronchial reactivity in some asthmatics
  • Decreased lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in young children

“The average level of nitrogen dioxide in residential indoor environments without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors according to the EPA,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “However, in homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters or unvented gas space heaters, indoor levels often exceed outdoor levels. Exposure to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide can also be an occupational hazard in some settings.”

Dedicated to identifying exposure risks to nitrogen dioxide and a wide range of other airborne pollutants are the scientists at EMSL Analytical. With laboratories across North America, they offer air quality testing services and sampling supplies to safeguard families, workers and building occupants. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about nitrogen dioxide and the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/4i6ng9kuLkM

To learn more about nitrogen dioxide testing or other indoor air quality, industrial hygiene or environmental services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.