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Nitrogen dioxide

A nitrogen dioxide molecule is on nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms. Chemical formula and description

The chemical formula for nitrogen dioxide is NO2.

Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown, pungent, acidic gas that is corrosive and strongly oxidising.

Sources

Nitrogen dioxide is not usually released directly into the air. Nitrogen dioxide forms when nitrogen oxide (NO) and other nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with other chemicals in the air to form nitrogen dioxide.

The main source of nitrogen dioxide resulting from human activities is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil), especially petrol used in cars. In cities, cars contribute about 80% of ambient nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen doxide is also produced from making nitric acid, welding and using explosives. Other sources of nitrogen dioxide include the refining of petrol and metals, commercial manufacturing, and food manufacturing. Natural sources of other nitrogen oxides include volcanoes and bacteria.

Effects on health

The main health effect of nitrogen dioxide is on the respiratory system. Inhalation of nitrogen dioxide by children increases their risk of respiratory infection and may lead to poorer lung function in later life. There is also an association between nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air and increases in daily mortality and hospital admissions for respiratory disease. Nitrogen dioxide can decrease the lungs’ defences against bacteria, making them more susceptible to infections, and can also aggravate asthma.

Groups most sensitive to nitrogen dioxide

Young children, asthmatics of all ages (but especially children), and adults with heart and respiratory disorders.

Standards and Guideline values to protect health

The national environmental standard for nitrogen dioxide is 200 µg/m3 as a 1-hour average. The national ambient air quality guideline for nitrogen dioxide is 100 µg/m3 as a 24-hour average.   

Effects on ecosystems

Nitrogen dioxide is toxic to plants in short-term concentrations of 120 µg/m3. It reduces plant growth. When sulphur dioxide and ozone are also present, the effects on vegetation are worse. Along with sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide can also cause acid rain. However, acid rain is not a problem in New Zealand.

Effects on buildings

Nitrogen dioxide forms acids in the presence of moisture and these can be corrosive to building materials at high concentrations.

Effects on visibility

Nitrogen dioxide can form secondary particles called nitrates that cause haze and reduce visibility. Nitrogen dioxide is the gas that makes summer smog look brownish in colour.

Usual levels in New Zealand

The 1 hour national environment standard for nitrogen dioxide is occasionally breached in some areas in Auckland. In most other places nitrogen dioxide levels are below the guideline values. For more information see Emission inventories for CO, NOx, SO2, ozone, benzene and benzo(a)pyrene in New Zealand and the state of the environment report 2007.

Areas where nitrogen dioxide may affect health and the environment

Nitrogen dioxide can be both a localised problem around congested roads and also an urban-wide problem from a variety of combustion sources.

 

Last updated: 17 July 2009