Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2012

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.


Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations[1],[7],[8]: 1992-2011

Annual mean concentrations (µg/m3)

Annual mean concentrations (µg/m3)

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 2009, Scottish emissions of nitrogen oxides have fallen by 60%.

The UK Air Quality Strategy[5] 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 2011, the first objective was not met at 12 of the 58 automatic monitoring sites[9] in Scotland. Those sites recording the highest annual mean concentrations were found next to busy roads, such as Dundee Lochee Road and Glasgow Kerbside. The second objective was met at all but 7 automatic monitoring sites; Dundee Lochee Road and Glasgow Kerbside were again among those that failed.

Source: Scottish Air Quality Database / Metadata

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Email: Sandy McPhee

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