Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a pollutant gas. It mainly comes from traffic emissions and other fossil fuel combustion processes. It can also come from home heating, power stations, and the use of nitrogen (fertiliser and manure) in agriculture. Being exposed to NO2 gas, even just for short periods, can have harmful effects on our health and wellbeing.
Its presence in air contributes to the formation and modification of other air pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter, and to acid rain.
What is the air quality like in Ireland?
Ireland’s air quality currently is good, relative to other European Union (EU) Member States, but keeping this standard is a growing challenge. The levels of particulate matter (tiny particles of pollution) and the measurements of NO2 over EU limits is of increasing concern.
Also, while our air quality might be good in comparison to other EU states, all levels of pollutants can do serious damage to our health. For example, currently, air pollution in Ireland leads to the premature death of three people, on average, a day.