Activities carried out in large cities and industrial zones lead to an increase in the level of nitrogen oxide in the air. Experts state that nitrogen oxides are among the common indoor pollutants, emphasizing that especially in winter months when homes are not frequently ventilated, fuel usage results in the formation of nitrogen oxides indoors. Dr. Ahmet Adiller says that globally, turning to renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels and frequently ventilating indoor spaces could be a solution against nitrogen oxide.
Indoor spaces should be ventilated frequently!
Dr. Ahmet Adiller, Lecturer at the Environmental Health Program of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services, evaluated the reasons for the increase in nitrogen oxide levels in the air and their effects, and shared his recommendations.
Forms with heating and energy production
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that first and foremost, it must be acknowledged that the primary cause of all types of environmental pollution today is human activities, adding, “The main reason for the increase in nitrogen dioxide levels, especially in large cities and industrial zones, is the activities carried out in these regions. Nitrogen oxides are air pollutants that result particularly from the use of solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels for purposes such as heating, transportation, and energy production. The vehicles we use, the fuels we use for heating in our homes, the electricity we use in our homes, the food we consume, our clothes, and our belongings directly and indirectly contribute to the formation of nitrogen oxides.”
Indoor ventilation is very important
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that nitrogen oxides are among the common pollutants found not only outdoors but also indoors, adding, “Especially in winter months when homes are not frequently ventilated, nitrogen oxides can form indoors as a result of fuel usage for purposes such as cooking and heating. Due to the insulation systems used today, their concentrations in homes can be higher than in the outdoor environment. Therefore, it is useful to emphasize that indoor ventilation is very important, especially during these periods.”
For global air quality, habits must change!
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that the main reason for the formation of air pollutants is urban and industrial activities, and continued his words as follows:
“Therefore, to improve air quality on a global scale, we must first change our fundamental habits and reduce our consumption levels. This consumption, especially concerning energy, must decrease. Today, significant amounts of nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere as a result of burning fuels we use for heating, transportation, and energy generation. The more we reduce our energy consumption, the less our individual fuel expenditure, the less nitrogen oxide will be emitted into the atmosphere. At this point, choosing electric vehicles to directly reduce our impact can be considered an important step in lowering these levels. However, what we can do individually is quite limited. As with preventing other environmental pollutions, a global common stance is very important in this regard.”
It is necessary to break free from fossil fuel dependency
Dr. Ahmet Adiller pointed out that in developed countries, older technology vehicles running on diesel fuel are beginning to be banned from entering certain areas, stating, “The European Parliament and the United Nations are on the verge of making a decision to halt the production of such vehicles to achieve the ‘Zero Emission’ target for vehicles by 2035-2040. Of course, how the electricity used by electric vehicles is generated is another topic of discussion at this point. The fact that this energy is obtained through thermal power plants only gives a relative ‘Zero Emission’ appearance. But it can still be a temporary solution for reducing traffic-related regional air pollution in urban areas. Breaking free from our dependence on fossil fuels for energy and shifting towards renewable energy sources will be a permanent and global solution.”
Long-term exposure can cause respiratory problems
Dr. Ahmet Adiller emphasized that nitrogen dioxide is a highly toxic gas and continued his words as follows:
“While acute exposure to low concentrations may not cause serious health problems, it can lead to symptoms such as temporary coughing, headache, dizziness, and nausea. As the concentration increases, health problems also increase. In cases of acute exposure, the health problems that may arise with increased inhaled quantity range from mild irritation of the nose and throat to conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia, and even deaths due to suffocation at high concentrations. Today, we can say that acute exposure at levels that could cause fatalities, especially outdoors, is not probable. However, even regular exposure to low concentrations can lead to impaired lung function. Long-term exposure in healthy individuals can cause respiratory diseases and, especially in individuals with asthma, can lead to an increase in the severity of symptoms.”
What can be done to protect oneself?
Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated that high concentrations of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere cause the formation of acid rain, adding, “These acid rains negatively affect sensitive ecosystems like forests and lakes, as well as agricultural areas. Outdoor protection can only be achieved with gas masks. The masks we are accustomed to using due to the Covid-19 pandemic do not have the ability to filter gaseous pollutants. Indoors, as we mentioned earlier, frequent ventilation of homes, especially in winter months, prevents nitrogen oxide levels from rising above outdoor levels. However, for people living in large cities, these concentrations can also lead to the chronic health problems we mentioned earlier if exposed for long periods. At this point, air purification devices can be used to reduce indoor nitrogen oxide levels. Of course, thorough research should be done when selecting these devices, or expert opinions should be consulted.”