Nitrous oxide (N2O or just "nitrous") is an oxidizer that is consumed in engines, nitrous oxide injection is often used to boost engine performance because it i

Nitrous oxide (N2O or just "nitrous") is an oxidizer that is consumed in engines, nitrous oxide injection is often used to boost engine performance because it increases the capacity of the engine to burn more fuel per stroke (more oxidizer, more fuel). Nitrogen dioxide, however, is a pollutant produced when atmospheric air is heated to very high temperatures. They are not the same thing.