Nitrogen dioxide is a gas produced by the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen in combustion processes.
Sources
It can be generated by natural sources e.g. lightning. One of the major man-made sources is the combustion of fossil fuels and in particular in the internal combustion engine and accounts for 50% of total UK emissions.
Health Effects
Nitrogen dioxide is an irritant gas, which has been known for many years to have serious and sometimes fatal effects on health when inhaled in high concentrations. Inflammation and constriction of airways and long term function are the main effects. Additionally short term exposures can have a detrimental affect to the immune cells of the airway in a manner that may cause sensitive people particular increased risk of respiratory infections.
