Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
Sources of nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a colourless gas. It’s mainly produced during:
- burning of petrol or diesel in a car engine
- burning natural gas in a central-heating boiler or power station
- welding
- the use of explosives
- commercial manufacturing
- food manufacturing
Health effects
Short term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause:
- asthma attacks
- respiratory infections
- symptoms of lung or heart conditions to get worse
Long term exposure to nitrogen dioxide can cause:
- an increase risk of respiratory infections
- poorer lung function in children