Q:
Is nitrogen harmful to humans?
A:
Quick Answer
Several harmful effects of nitrogen on human health include causing vitamin A shortages, decreasing function of the thyroid gland and decreasing the blood's ability to carry oxygen. These effects are seen when nitrogen occurs in an ion form, such as nitrite or nitrate.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Decreased thyroid function and vitamin A shortages are both caused by nitrate. Nitrite reacts with hemoglobin in the blood, causing it to not carry oxygen as well. Both nitrates and nitrates cause the formation of nitroamines, which are known carcinogens.
While there are negative consequences of nitrogen, it is an important molecule within the human body that functions in the cardiovascular, immune, and central and peripheral nervous systems.
Learn more about ChemistrySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What elements make up wood?
A: Although the chemical composition of wood varies from species to species, wood is primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, potassium, sulfu... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are examples of ideal gases?
A: Some examples of ideal gases are the oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and other gases in Earth's atmosphere. An ideal gas is a gas at low pressure and fair... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is nitrogen asphyxiation?
A: Nitrogen asphyxiation occurs when the body intakes nitrogen through the lungs, causing a severe lack of oxygen. Asphyxiation can lead to death if the prope... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which elements in the periodic table are gases at room temperature?
A: The 13 elements that are room temperature gases are radon (Rn), xenon (Xe), krypton (Kr), argon (Ar), chlorine (Cl), neon (Ne), fluorine (F), oxygen (O), n... Full Answer >Filed Under:
