Why is it Important to Know the Concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide in Your Breathing Zone?

Why is it Important to Know the Concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide in Your Breathing Zone?

What is NO2?

As put by the US EPA, NO2 is a by-product of burning fuel. “NO2 forms from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment” (N.P.). Government of Canada cites indoor sources as; ‘gas, wood or kerosene appliances such as furnaces, space heaters, stoves, and water heaters’ (N.P.).

Why is this Important?

Knowledge about this pollutant is extremely important for individuals who live or work near busy highways and thoroughfares.

Effects of NO2

Short term exposure to NO2 could result in irritation of the nose and throat. It may cause coughing and/or shortness of breath. Long term exposure can result in a buildup of fluid in the lungs and severe shortness of breath (New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, 2).

child at home experiencing shortness of breath

Exposure Limits:

The Canadian government has set a short-term (1 hr) exposure limit of 90 ppb, and long-term (24 hr) exposure limit of 11 ppb (N.P.).

Mitigation Measures:

Know the quality of the air that you breathe in both at home and at work. Book an assessment or acquire an indoor air quality monitor.

-          - If your source is indoors, ventilation, ventilation, ventilation.

-          - If your source is coming from the outside and infiltration through HVAC systems, Utilize air purifiers or filtration devices with combined HEPA and activated Carbon filters (Kadri et al).

Shop the 4-in-one filtration provided by the Enviroguard PROx.

Keep both yourself and your family safe. Know the quality of the air you breathe.

 

References

Government of Canada. Residential Indoor Air Quality Guideline: Nitrogen Dioxide. 2015, https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/residential-indoor-air-quality-guideline-nitrogen-dioxide.html

Kadiri K, Turcotte D, Gore R, Bello A, Rajabiun S, Heavner K, Woskie SR. Effectiveness of HEPA/Carbon Filter Air Purifier in Reducing Indoor NO2 and PM2.5 in Homes with Gas Stove Use in Lowell, Massachusetts. Toxics. 2025; 13(12):1030. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121030

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Nitrogen Dioxide [Fact Sheet]. April, 2000, https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1376.pdf

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Pollution. 2025, https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no2