Nitrogen Dioxide

Average levels in homes without combustion appliances is about half that of outdoors. In homes with gas stoves, kerosene heaters, or un-vented gas space heaters, indoor levels often exceed outdoor levels.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) along with particles in the air can often be seen as a reddish-brown layer over many urban areas. Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures and thus the primary sources of NOx are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels.

Medical Effects

In Europe, studies have shown decreased lung function and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms such as acute bronchitis and asthma especially in children. For more than 40 years, governments have tracked emissions of the five principal air pollutants – carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Many of these emissions have decreased significantly but NOx has increased approximately 10% over this period.