Environmental Services Program

Nitrogen Dioxide

What is Nitrogen Dioxide?

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) is a reddish-brown gas that is part of a group of air pollutants known as nitrogen oxides (NOx), which also includes nitric oxide (NO). Nitrogen dioxide forms from the combustion of fossil fuels and is primarily produced by vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.

How Does Nitrogen Dioxide Form?

Nitrogen dioxide is directly emitted from the burning of fuels, including motor vehicle emissions, power plant operations, and industrial processes. When nitrogen in the air combines with oxygen at high temperatures, such as in a vehicle’s engine or industrial machinery, NO₂ is produced. Nitrogen dioxide can also react with other pollutants in the atmosphere to form particulate matter (PM) and ozone, exacerbating air quality problems.

NO₂ levels are typically higher in urban and industrial areas, especially near traffic-heavy zones. However, because it can be transported by wind, it may affect rural and tribal lands, such as the LTBB community, particularly during days with heavy vehicle traffic or industrial emissions.

Health Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide is a harmful air pollutant that can have severe health consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Exposure to NO₂ can lead to:

• Shortness of breath
• Increased asthma attacks
• Lung inflammation
• Decreased lung function, especially in young children

For LTBB community members, exposure to nitrogen dioxide may exacerbate respiratory health disparities, particularly among those who already suffer from asthma or other lung conditions. Vulnerable individuals who engage in outdoor activities such as hunting or gathering traditional foods may also be at higher risk of exposure.

Environmental Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide on LTBB Lands

Nitrogen dioxide can have significant environmental impacts. Elevated NO₂ levels can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, which can damage ecosystems and harm vegetation. In the LTBB community, this can affect native plant species, including those in forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands. Reduced plant health can impact local wildlife, reduce food sources for animals, and harm habitats used for cultural and subsistence activities. Additionally, nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain formation, which can degrade soil quality and water resources—issues that can directly affect traditional practices that rely on healthy ecosystems.

What Can Be Done to Reduce Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution?

Both individuals and governments play important roles in reducing NO₂ pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide, and local governments work to limit emissions through policies aimed at reducing industrial and vehicle-related emissions.

At the individual level, LTBB community members can help reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution by:

• Reducing vehicle use, especially during high-traffic hours
• Using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving
• Supporting renewable energy initiatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• Conserving energy at home

By staying informed through local air quality reports and taking precautions during days with high NO₂ levels, individuals can protect their health. The LTBB Environmental Services Program, in line with broader state and national efforts, also helps monitor and improve air quality on tribal lands.

APA Reference List

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Pollution. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Integrated Science Assessment for Oxides of Nitrogen – Health Criteria (Final Report). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/isa/integrated-science-assessment-oxides-nitrogen-health-criteria-final-report

American Lung Association. (2023). State of the Air 2023: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂). Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/research/sota

National Institutes of Health. (2021). Health Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/no2/index.cfm

World Health Organization. (2016). Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Disease. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241511353

American Thoracic Society. (2018). Health Effects of Nitrogen Dioxide: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.thoracic.org