EPA Statement on Health Impacts from Roadside NO2 Emissions

Image via WikipediaUS Environmental Protection Agency- Six Common Pollutants, Nitrogen Dioxide, Health

The EPA’s summary of health impacts from exposure to nitrogen oxides (which also produce ozone with health impacts) is worth noting, especially the scale of the problem- affecting 16% of the entire U.S. population who live within 300 ft of transportation emissions from traffic- and the fact that these concentrations are underestimated by conventional air quality network monitors.

Key Quotes:

“Current scientific evidence links short-term NO₂ exposures, ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours, with adverse respiratory effects including airway inflammation in healthy people and increased respiratory symptoms in people with asthma”

“Near-roadway (within about 50 meters) concentrations of NO₂ have been measured to be approximately 30 to 100% higher than concentrations away from roadways”

“NO₂ concentrations in vehicles and near roadways are appreciably higher than those measured at monitors in the current network”

“Approximately 16% of U.S housing units are located within 300 ft of a major highway, railroad, or airport”

“NO₂ exposure concentrations near roadways are of particular concern for susceptible individuals, including people with asthma asthmatics, children, and the elderly”

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