Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2013
This publication aims to provide an easily accessible reference document which offers information on a wide range of environmental topics. It covers key datasets on the state of the environment in Scotland, with an emphasis on the trends over time wherever possible. The data are supplemented by text providing brief background information on environmental impacts, relevant legislation and performance against national and international targets.
Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations1,7,8: 1992-2012
High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can affect human health, particularly by causing inflammation of the airways. Ecosystem health is also damaged by NO2 by contributing to acid deposition, eutrophication and promoting the formation of ground level ozone.
Between 1990 and 2010, Scottish emissions of nitrogen oxides have fallen by 61%.4
The UK Air Quality Strategy5 objectives for NO2 (to be met by the end of 2005) are (1) an annual mean of 40µg/m3 and (2) an hourly mean of 200µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year. In 2012, the first objective was not met at 16 of the 66 automatic monitoring sites9 in Scotland. Those sites recording the highest annual mean concentrations were found next to busy roads, such as Edinburgh Queensferry Road and Glasgow Kerbside. The second objective was met at all but 4 automatic monitoring sites; Dundee Lochee Road and Edinburgh St John's Road were among those that failed.
Source: Scottish Air Quality Database / Metadata
Contact
Email: Callum Neil
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