The Effect of Nitrogen on Human Respiration

Nitrogen and oxygen gases make up 99 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, according to Physical Geography, a geography reference site. The human body actually has little use for nitrogen in terms of respiratory functions, though it can cause problems when present in excess amounts. Nitrogen compounds in the air can also cause problems within the respiratory system.

Identification

• Nitrogen's role in the food chain supply makes it one of the most essential elements in the Earth's life cycle. Lightning and bacterial organisms play key roles in removing nitrogen from the atmosphere, depositing it in the soil and returning it back to the atmosphere, according to Physical Geography. In terms of human respiration, nitrogen can become a problem when it combines with oxygen gases in varying amounts, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. It can also cause adverse health effects when encountered within deep waters, according to the Divers Alert Network.

Oxides of Nitrogen

• Nitrogen gases naturally combine with oxygen to form two highly toxic compounds: nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. At room temperatures, nitric oxide appears as a gas, while nitrogen dioxide forms a liquid substance. Both compounds form from combustion processes, some of which include wood-burning, cigarette smoke, car exhausts and coal burning, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Their effects on the human respiratory system involve irritation and inflammation of nose and throat areas and possible lung damage when exposures are high and ongoing, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Exposure Levels

• Nitrogen oxides are listed as environmental pollutants that have adverse effects on the Earth's ozone layer, according to Pollution Issues. Oxygen molecules make up the ozone layer, so nitrogen emissions can naturally combine with and eventually eat away at this layer. The ozone is responsible for protecting the Earth from UV radiation, preventing the Earth'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

• 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.