The effects of global warming are uncertain, but they potentially include disruption of global weather patterns and ecosystems, flooding, severe storms, and droughts. NOx also increases the susceptibility of young children and the elderly to respiratory infections. NO x also reacts in the presence of VOCs and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone irritates the eyes, damages the lungs, and aggravates respiratory problems. It is our most widespread and intractable urban air pollution problem.
Ozone also reduces agricultural production and the growth rate of trees.
NO x contribute to the formation of acid rain. Acid rain acidifies the soils and waters where it falls, killing plants, fish, and the animals that depend on them. Acid rain also causes property damage through the corrosion of buildings and monuments. VOCs react in the presence of nitrogen oxides and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ozone irritates the eyes, damages the lungs, and aggravates respiratory problems.