How Does Nitrogen Oxide Pollution Affect Us?

Nitrogen oxides are formed when nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air react under high heat, which commonly occurs in car engines and power plants.

11:56 12 April 2024

The bustling streets of modern cities are often filled with more than just the sounds of daily life; they are also filled with invisible hazards, one of which is nitrogen oxides (NOx). The latter are predominantly released from vehicle exhaust, especially diesel engines, industrial processes, and coal and oil combustion. 

The Chemistry and Sources of Nitrogen Oxides

Nitrogen oxides are formed when nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air react under high heat, which commonly occurs in car engines and power plants. Despite stringent controls, diesel cars, mainly due to their higher combustion temperatures, still contribute significantly to NOx emissions.

Interestingly, nitrogen oxide gases are colourless and odourless; however, the smoggy brown haze we associate with air pollution is partly due to NO2, which has a reddish-brown colour and a sharp, biting odour. Alongside road transportation, NOx is generated by agricultural practices through the use of fertilisers, and during the production of electricity and heating.

Health Impacts of Nitrogen Oxide Pollution

Inhaling air with a high concentration of nitrogen oxides can have immediate, short-term effects on health, particularly regarding respiratory problems. Long-term exposure is even more alarming, as it can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and may even impact overall life expectancy.

NO2, a key element of nitrogen oxide pollution, poses a significant threat as it irritates lung linings and weakens immunity against lung infections. This can result in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, colds, flu, and bronchitis. Children and people with asthma are significantly more susceptible to these effects. Recent studies suggest a link between exposure to NO2 and cognitive decline as well.

Environmental Consequences of Nitrogen Oxide Pollution

The effects of NOx from diesel emissions on the environment are truly multifaceted. NOx contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a primary component of smog, harming wildlife and damaging forests and other vegetation.

One of the more destructive roles of nitrogen oxides involves their participation in acid rain creation. Sulphur dioxide and NOx react with other substances in the air to form acids, which come down to the ground as precipitation, causing harm to sensitive ecosystems like lakes and streams and the wildlife that inhabit them.

NOx emissions also play a part in the eutrophication of water bodies. This process involves excessive nutrients leading to a dense growth of plant life and the subsequent death of animal life from a lack of oxygen, disrupting aquatic systems.

Socio-Economic Implications

The presence of nitrogen oxide pollutants can have far-reaching socio-economic consequences. Notably, the healthcare costs associated with diseases resulting from NOx pollution are substantial. This puts a financial strain on healthcare systems and affects economic productivity due to sick days and reduced workforce capacity.

Additionally, the threat posed by NOx to agriculture can lead to compromised crop yields, food security issues, and thus economic losses for farmers and communities. There is also the cost of implementing regulatory measures to reduce NOx emissions, which can impact industries, the transportation sector, and consumer choices.

Dieselgate and Its Repercussions

The Dieselgate scandal erupted when it was uncovered that several major car manufacturers were using software to cheat emissions tests, allowing their vehicles to emit more NOx on the road than what was legally permissible. The scandal not only laid bare the discrepancies between lab test results and real-world emissions but also raised questions about the credibility of the manufacturers and the adequacy of the testing procedures.

The fallout from Dieselgate has been widespread. Car owners felt betrayed, and the trust in the automotive industry suffered. Environmental and health activists were outraged, pushing for stricter regulations and better monitoring to protect public health and the environment. Policymakers were forced to grapple with tightening emission norms, increased pressure to hold manufacturers accountable for diesel claims, and contemplate the long-term viability of diesel engines in the transportation sector.

Mitigating Nitrogen Oxide Pollution

Lessening the impacts of nitrogen oxide pollution requires a multipronged strategy. Policies aimed at controlling and reducing NOx emissions involve upgrading vehicle emissions standards, promoting alternative modes of transportation like electric vehicles, and enhancing public transit systems.

Improvements in industrial regulations, a transition towards renewable energy sources, and adopting better agricultural practices are also crucial in minimising NOx output. Education and advocacy play a significant role in raising awareness and changing behaviours at the individual and collective levels.

For diesel car owners, it might mean switching to vehicles with cleaner technologies or supporting initiatives that aim at a gradual move away from diesel. Policymakers are tasked with implementing effective legislation and incentives to facilitate transitions to less polluting alternatives. Legal avenues like diesel emission claims also allow them to claim compensation for their affected vehicles. Go to Emissions.co.uk for more information.

Through informed decisions, responsible practices, and supportive policies, we have the power to foster a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.