T59: Toxic effect of other gases, fumes and vapours

T59.0: Toxic effect: Nitrogen oxides

Nitrogen dioxides are irritant gases that arise when welding or smoking tobacco.

Irritant gases can irritate the mucous membranes. If the mucous membranes in the respiratory airways are irritated, you can have shortness of breath and cough, for example. Water can accumulate in the lungs. This may result in restricted breathing and the circulation failing. The skin may turn blueish. In some cases, there is also permanent damage to the lungs. You may also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.