A nitrogen dioxide gas detector is mainly used to detect the concentration of nitrogen dioxide gas in the air, and can give sound and light alarm. These devices are used for personal protection in hazardous gas environments and to track nitrogen dioxide levels produced by emissions. NO2 gas is a by-product of combustion, produced by diesel engines, coal-fired power plants, sewage plants and manufacturing processes.
Pros
Small and low cost NO2 detectors help with worker safety and emission control.
NO2 gas detectors available for less than $399.
Portable NO2 detectors ensure that employees and personnel are not exceeding recommended exposure limits.
What Are the Different Types of Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Detectors?
Nitrogen Dioxide Detector
The majority of nitrogen dioxide gas detectors are portable units. These are small, battery-powered detectors with a nitrogen dioxide sensor that can be clipped onto your clothes for personal protection.
Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Monitor
Wall-mounted units provide continuous protection and warning of nitrogen dioxide gas leaks. These devices are perfect for indoor uses such as power stations, industries, or factories. If the levels of NO2 exceed the preset threshold (i.e., 5ppm OSHA PEL), the unit will provide an LED and buzzer warning.
What Does a Nitrogen Dioxide Meter Detect?
A nitrogen dioxide detector senses nitrogen dioxide gas and displays the levels in parts per million (ppm).
What Is Nitrogen Dioxide Gas?
Nitrogen dioxide has the chemical symbol NO2. It is known as a dirty gas with a brownish color. It is an unpleasant gas with an irritating taste and smell. Although NO2 is a pollutant found in emissions, it is also used in industry to make nitric oxide. NO2 gas is very dangerous to human health, hence the need to monitor and check air concentrations.
Is Nitrogen Dioxide Gas Toxic?
Yes it is.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is an air pollutant that is commonly associated with respiratory diseases. According to the American Lung Association, NO2 gas lung effects include:
Inflammation of the airways
Cough and wheezing
Poor lung function
Asthma attacks
Can I Smell Nitrogen Dioxide Gas?
Yes, humans can smell nitrogen dioxide gas.
It is a dirty, polluting gas with a brownish color. It is an unpleasant gas with an irritating taste and smell.
There are various studies that have investigated the minimum NO2 odor threshold for humans. NO2 can be detected at concentrations as low as few ppm. For example, 0.5 ppm (see here) and 1.5 ppm (see here) have been shown to be the minimum odor threshold for humans.
However, it is a bad idea to rely on your sense of smell to determine the “concentration” of an aromatic gas like NO2.
With time, the nose becomes desensitized to the odor – this phenomena is called olfactory fatigue.