Nitrogen dioxide, or NO₂ for short, is a gas that is often overlooked, even though it can significantly impair indoor air quality. Concentrations can rise particularly in urban apartments where gas stoves, fireplaces, or heaters are used. Road traffic in the surrounding area also contributes to pollution through open windows or ventilation systems. Those who do not monitor air quality risk respiratory irritation and long-term health consequences.
What is nitrogen dioxide and where does it come from?
NO₂ is a nitrogen oxide and is mainly produced when fossil fuels are burned. Typical indoor sources are:
- Gas stoves and gas ovens: Nitrogen dioxide is released during cooking and heating.
- Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves: Incomplete combustion produces NO₂ and other pollutants
- Heating systems that use fossil fuels: Poorly maintained systems in particular can emit NO₂.
- Outdoor air: In urban homes, road traffic can bring nitrogen dioxide indoors through open windows or ventilation systems.
Nitrogen dioxide is invisible and odorless, so exposure often goes unnoticed.
Effects of NO₂ on health
Nitrogen dioxide irritates the respiratory tract. Children, people with asthma or chronic respiratory diseases, and older people are particularly sensitive. Even relatively low concentrations over a longer period of time can put strain on the respiratory tract. Typical health effects include coughing, respiratory tract irritation, and watery eyes. People who are regularly exposed to NO₂ may experience a worsening of asthma or bronchitis. In the long term, lung function can be impaired, increasing susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases.
How to monitor nitrogen dioxide indoors
Thanks to modern sensor technology, nitrogen dioxide pollution can now be measured directly. Devices such as the air-Q pro or air-Q science can accurately record NO₂ levels. These sensors provide real-time data on the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the indoor air and enable a precise analysis of air quality.
Continuous measurement reveals peaks in pollution, for example when cooking on gas stoves or using fireplaces or heaters. Based on this data, targeted measures can be taken to improve air quality. Regularly monitoring indoor air quality not only reveals short-term pollution, but also long-term trends, allowing early action to be taken before health effects occur.
Measures to reduce nitrogen dioxide
Exposure to nitrogen dioxide can be significantly reduced through targeted ventilation, especially during and after cooking or using a fireplace. Extractor hoods and ventilation systems should be actively used to remove pollutants directly. Regular maintenance of gas appliances, fireplaces, and heaters ensures that they work efficiently and release less NO₂. Switching to alternative cooking methods such as induction further reduces nitrogen dioxide emissions. Continuous monitoring of indoor air with a device such as the air-Q helps to identify peaks in pollution and take targeted countermeasures.
Conclusion
Indoor nitrogen dioxide is an underestimated risk. Invisible and odorless, it can irritate the respiratory tract and impair lung function in the long term. Regular ventilation, maintenance of heating systems and gas appliances, and monitoring of indoor air quality with a measuring device such as air-Q can significantly reduce exposure. This makes homes and offices healthier and protects particularly sensitive individuals.
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