2 days ago

Jo Ann • 150

@jo_ann

I have recently become aware of the harmful effects of nitrogen oxide, a harmful pollutant caused by use of gas appliances in the home - stoves, oven, gas dryers, gas heaters, etc.

I've always used gas appliances, not knowing all these years, that they cause harmful indoor pollution, especially from the gases nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide. The harmful effects to human health are inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the lungs, and the eyes.

I am particularly interested to know if the phlegm and coughing issues I experience are caused by these harmful gases. As I was researching these health issues, I also learned that nitrogen oxide also affects the eyes, but I have not found any specific information about the eyes.

It has occurred to me that perhaps there is a glaucoma connection which has probably never been studied. I'm wondering if the nitrogen oxide and CO2 might be a causative factor in glaucoma. It certainly would be worth investigating.

Any thoughts?

2 days ago

david 4.3k

@david_fe

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are pollutants emitted by gas appliances. Research shows associations between NOx exposure and respiratory conditions such as phlegm, coughing, and bronchitis. Effects on the eyes and connections to conditions like glaucoma remain speculative and seem unlikely.

Evidence:

1. Respiratory Symptoms:

   • Indoor NO2 is linked to chronic cough, phlegm, and bronchitis in children and adults. A study in U.S. children found a significant association between increased household NO2 levels and respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough and phlegm (Neas et al., 1991) (https://consensus.app/papers/association-of-indoor-nitrogen-dioxide-with-respiratory-neas-dockery/0e195ed1abc15f7b9171bb90cbd7f208/?utm_source=chatgpt).
   • Elevated indoor NO2, even at levels below outdoor regulatory standards, was associated with worsening asthma symptoms like wheeze and cough in children (Belanger et al., 2006) (https://consensus.app/papers/association-of-indoor-nitrogen-dioxide-exposure-with-belanger-gent/8670b4c594f55f9c956267ba7f275258/?utm_source=chatgpt).

2. Eye Irritation:

   • Exposure to NO2 and related pollutants has been associated with increased eye irritation in studies on passive smoking and air pollution exposure (Schwartz & Zeger, 1990) (https://consensus.app/papers/passive-smoking-air-pollution-and-acute-respiratory-schwartz-zeger/3bf4efc7a85f5f8c83c02ac976452f17/?utm_source=chatgpt).

3. Chronic Exposure and Bronchitis:

   • Long-term exposure to nitrogen oxides is linked to chronic bronchitis and phlegm production in various population studies, highlighting its role in respiratory inflammation (Hooper et al., 2018) (https://consensus.app/papers/ambient-air-pollution-and-chronic-bronchitis-in-a-cohort-of-hooper-young/457f51bbb74e5c868724da4a2e88202c/?utm_source=chatgpt).

Potential Glaucoma Link: While no direct studies were found linking NOx exposure to glaucoma, the possibility of vascular or inflammatory effects influencing intraocular pressure or retinal health is possible -- although a stretch. Further investigation is needed in this area.

Conclusion: Indoor nitrogen oxide pollution is strongly associated with respiratory issues like coughing and phlegm and potentially irritates the eyes. Connections to glaucoma are theoretical and seem unlikely -- but future research is needed. Reducing indoor NOx exposure could significantly benefit respiratory and possibly ocular health.