What is Nitrogen Dioxide?
Nitrogen dioxide is part of a group of gaseous air pollutants produced as a result of road traffic and other fossil fuel combustion processes. Its presence in air contributes to the formation and modification of other air pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, and to acid rain.
How does Nitrogen Dioxide affect human health?
Studies on human populations indicate that long-term exposure to NO2 levels currently observed in Europe may decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory symptoms such as acute bronchitis and cough, particularly in children. Several studies have shown that NO2 exposure increases allergic responses to inhaled pollens. People with asthma and children in general are considered to be more vulnerable to NO2 exposure. There is no evidence for a threshold for exposure to NO2 below which no effects on health are expected.
How are we exposed to Nitrogen Dioxide?
In Europe, NO2 air pollution is mainly caused by motor vehicles and, in some places, by energy production. Individual exposure to NO2 depends mainly on local outdoor concentrations. However, it can also be affected by indoor pollution sources such as tobacco smoking and unvented cooking or heating appliances using gas.
Conclusions on Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gaseous air pollutant produced as a result of road traffic and other fossil fuel combustion processes. This is why it concerns in particular populations living near busy roads. At levels currently observed in Europe, exposure to NO2 may decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory problems, particularly in children. Short-term exposure to peak levels can increase respiratory allergic reactions. Because the presence of NO2 is closely linked to the formation or presence of other air pollutants, it is not yet entirely clear whether long-term exposure to relatively low concentrations of NO2 itself can affect mortality or disease progression.