Dutch Air Quality Resources

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - Luntero

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is one of the clearest indicators of traffic-related air pollution. Emitted mainly from vehicles, shipping, and heating, its concentrations often rise along busy streets and dense urban areas. Because it irritates the respiratory system and contributes to ozone and fine particle formation, tracking NO₂ helps identify pollution hotspots and protect sensitive groups. Monitoring this gas provides critical insight into both air quality and the overall health of city environments.

Understanding NO2 in air quality

NO₂ is a reddish-brown, acrid gas formed during high-temperature combustion, especially from diesel and petrol engines, power generation, and some industrial activities. Indoors, it can also come from unvented gas appliances. Because NO₂ is both a pollutant and a marker of traffic-related air pollution, its levels often peak during rush hours and in street canyons with limited air flow. Exposure can irritate the respiratory tract, aggravate asthma, and reduce lung function, particularly in children, older adults, and people with preexisting heart or lung disease. NO₂ also participates in atmospheric chemistry that forms ozone and secondary particulate matter, amplifying air quality problems. Monitoring local NO₂ trends helps identify pollution hotspots and informs decisions about route choices, ventilation, and outdoor activity timing.

Where does NO2 come from?

Nitrogen dioxide primarily originates from combustion processes, especially in vehicle engines, ships, and heating systems. Power plants and industrial sites also contribute to local and regional NO₂ concentrations. Because traffic is the main source in most urban areas, monitoring NO₂ offers valuable insight into the effectiveness of emission-control measures and sustainable transport policies.

Health effects of NO2

Even short exposures to elevated NO₂ can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Longer-term exposure has been associated with reduced lung growth in children and heightened cardiovascular risks.

- Airway irritation

- Asthma exacerbation

- Coughing and wheezing

- Reduced lung function

- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

Environmental effects of NO2

NO₂ is a precursor to ground-level ozone and secondary particulate matter, contributing to smog. Deposited nitrogen can also over-fertilize ecosystems, changing species balance.

- Ozone (O₃) formation

- Secondary PM formation

- Smog episodes

- Nitrogen deposition to soils and waters

- Vegetation stress

Cities Monitoring NO2 Levels

Discover which Dutch cities actively monitor NO2 through official air quality stations. Each location provides real-time data that helps track pollution trends, identify hotspots, and improve public awareness. Click a city below to explore detailed measurements and see how air quality compares across the country.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam tracks NO2 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.

10 stations

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - Luntero

Where does NO2 come from?

Cities Monitoring NO2 Levels

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