State of the Environment

2006

Indicator: A-20 Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in urban areas

Data

Highest daily maximum 1 hour nitrogen dioxide consentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001

Highest daily maximum 1 hour nitrogen dioxide conentrations for capital cities, 1991-2001

Source: State of the Air Report, Table A4.9 (p.208)

What the data mean

Most capital cities have shown a decline in nitrogen dioxide concentrations over the reporting period, 1991-2001. In 2001, all capital cities have concentrations below the National Environment Protection Measure standard of 0.12 parts per million.

Data Limitations

Comparisons of historical data sets across the nation are difficult due to lack of harmonisation in network designs, and in sampling, analysis, quality control and reporting practices. In addition, discontinuities and changes in data collection and reporting practices can distort trend analysis results.

Issues for which this is an indicator and why

Atmosphere — Air quality - Urban air quality 

Nitrogen dioxide is formed in the ambient air through the oxidation of nitric oxide and plays an important role in the formation of photochemical smog. The major sources of nitrogen oxides are motor vehicles and industry, especially power plants.

The health effects of short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide include respiratory illnesses in children. Long-term exposure may lower resistance to respiratory infections.

Excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause death in plants and roots and damage to the leaves of many agricultural crops. Excessive levels increase the acidity of rain (lower the pH) and thus lower the pH of surface and groundwaters as well as soils. In turn, this lowered pH can have harmful effects, including death, on a variety of biota. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Human Settlements — Liveability of human settlements - Air quality 

Nitrogen dioxide is formed in the ambient air through the oxidation of nitric oxide and plays an important role in the formation of photochemical smog. The major sources of nitrogen oxides are motor vehicles and industry, especially power plants.

The health effects of short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide include respiratory illnesses in children. Long-term exposure may lower resistance to respiratory infections.

Excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide can cause death in plants and roots and damage to the leaves of many agricultural crops. Excessive levels increase the acidity of rain (lower the pH) and thus lower the pH of surface and groundwaters as well as soils. In turn, this lowered pH can have harmful effects, including death, on a variety of biota. Atmospheric concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are a direct indicator for this issue.

Other indicators for this issue:

Further Information

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