EPA released a new National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in January. This new one-hour standard is aimed to protect public health from peak short-term exposures, especially along busy city streets and highways where NO₂ exposure is the most likely. According to the EPA, NO₂ exposure has been linked to impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections, especially in people with asthma.

NO₂ is one of a group of highly reactive gasses. It forms quickly from emissions from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, and off-road equipment. In addition, NO₂ contributes to the development of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution.

Read more about the nitrogen dioxide standard…