Nitrogen plays a key role within the Area's provisions chain cycle.
Nitrogen and O2 gases arrange up 99 percent of the Environment's atmosphere, according to Physical Geography, a geography reference location. The human object in truth has elfin avail for nitrogen in terms of respiratory functions, though it can basis problems when in process in excess amounts. Nitrogen compounds in the air can as well grounds problems within the respiratory process.
Identification
Nitrogen's role in the cheer chain work makes it one of the most leading elements in the World's heart cycle. Lightning and bacterial organisms play fundamental roles in removing nitrogen from the atmosphere, depositing it in the earth and returning it back to the atmosphere, according to Physical Geography. In terms of human Breathing, nitrogen can convert a holy mess when it combines with O2 gases in varying amounts, according to the Agency for Poisonous Substances and Disease Registry. It can besides doer adverse health thing when encountered within low waters, according to the Divers Alert Network.
Oxides of Nitrogen
Nitrogen gases naturally combine with O2 to formation two highly poisonous compounds: nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. The ozone is chargeable for protecting the Universe from UV radiation, preventing the Environment's atmosphere from overheating. Short-term exposures to this atmospheric nitrogen can decrease overall lung function, while long-term exposures can actually destroy lung tissue, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Decompression Sickness
Exposure Levels
Nitrogen oxides are listed as environmental pollutants that corner adverse tool on the Globe's ozone layer, according to Pollution Issues. O2 molecules cook up the ozone layer, so nitrogen emissions can naturally combine with and eventually eat outside at this layer. At margin temperatures, nitric oxide appears as a Gauze, while nitrogen dioxide forms a liquid substance. Both compounds contour from combustion processes, some of which insert wood-burning, cigarette smoke, machine exhausts and coal burning, according to the Agency for Poisonous Substances and Disease Registry. Their belongings on the human respiratory transaction encompass irritation and inflammation of nose and throat areas and likely lung damage when exposures are alpine and happening, according to the Wisconsin Branch of Customary Mode.
Decompression sickness involves the body's respiratory response when changes in air pressure affect how the body metabolizes oxygen and nitrogen. This condition mainly affects scuba divers but can also affect astronauts or individuals who work within a compressed-air environment, according to the Divers Alert Network. In deep-water scuba divers, the respiratory system takes in higher concentrations of nitrogen than usual at lower depths. When this happens, nitrogen gases store up inside the tissues, since the body has no use for extra nitrogen gas. Once a diver returns to the surface, this gas is released through the skin. If the diver returns too fast, adverse health effects can occur throughout the body.
Arterial Gas Embolism
According to the Divers Alert Network, an arterial gas embolism is a condition that results when a scuba diver resurfaces at a fast rate without exhaling. In effect, excess nitrogen gases in the respiratory system--the lungs, the arteries and small arteries--are exhumed from the tissues as quickly as the surrounding air pressure changes. When this happens, nitrogen bubbles can potentially block blood flow to different areas of the body. Blood flow blockages can cause individuals to fall unconscious, tingling and numbness sensations or paralysis and mental disorientation. In cases of prolonged unconsciousness, medical assistance may be warranted to prevent permanent damage can occur.