Nitrogen dioxide in Washington's air

Nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide is a harmful gas produced when fuel burns. Common sources in Washington are:

• Motor vehicles
• Ships and locomotives
• Industrial power plants

Nitrogen dioxide in Washington

Washington's air has never violated national standards for nitrogen dioxide. In the 1980s, nitrogen dioxide levels in urban areas were occasionally high enough to exceed today's more stringent hourly standard. Thanks to cleaner cars and nitrogen oxide reducing controls, Washington's nitrogen dioxide levels have declined.

Generally, nitrogen dioxide levels are far lower than the national standard, even at the sites located next to high traffic areas of Interstate-5 in Seattle and Tacoma.

Although current nitrogen dioxide levels in Washington meet standards by a wide margin, we are still concerned about emissions of nitrogen oxides because these pollutants contribute to other pollution problems, including ozone and fine particles.

Maintaining clean air

To ensure air in Washington continues to meet air quality standards, along with our local partners, we monitor nitrogen dioxide at four locations:

• Two locations in Seattle, representing urban and near road conditions
• One location in Tacoma, representing near road conditions
• One location on the Olympic Peninsula, representing natural conditions

What you can do

You can help protect yourself from the harmful effects of nitrogen dioxide by:

• Driving cleaner cars.
• Upgrading old engines to cleaner ones.
• Limiting outdoor activities during times of high air pollution.
• Closing windows and vents during periods of high air pollution.