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Introduction

Conclusions

Nitrogen Oxides

If a hydrogen economy is used instead of combustion reactions, there will be less NOx released to the atmosphere.  This will have positive effects on ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere.  NO in the stratosphere can destroy ozone through the following reactions:

NO + O3 = NO2 + O2

NO2 + O = NO + O2

Also, NO2 is also one of the main components of smog formation in the troposphere:

NO2 + hv = NO + O

O + O2 = O3

If there is less NOx produced, then there could be less ozone depletion in the stratosphere and less ozone produced in the troposphere. 

Also, N2O is a potent greenhouse gas, and if NOx emissions are reduced, the amount of N2O is decreased. 

However, there actually are some drawbacks to having less NOx emissions.  NOx concentrations affect the concentration of OH radicals.  NO can convert HO2 to a hydroxyl radical.  If there is less NOx, then there will be less OH radicals.  This will make methane and other gases have longer lifetimes in the atmosphere (see Greenhouse Effect).