Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Emitted from Traffic-Related Sources: Review

Abstract

Featured Application: This review supports urban air quality management and transport planning in cities affected by persistent nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedances. By summarizing evidence on traffic-related NO2 drivers and mitigation measures, it informs the design of integrated strategies combining Low Emission Zones, vehicle fleet modernization, and infrastructural interventions, helping authorities and planners reduce near-road exposure and improve compliance with EU and WHO air quality standards. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) remains one of the most relevant traffic-related air pollutants in urban environments, despite decades of regulatory efforts and advances in vehicle emission control technologies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on ambient NO2 concentrations associated with road transport, identifies key determinants of spatial and temporal variability, and evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation approaches under increasingly stringent air quality standards. The study is based on a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature reporting NO2 measurements in urban, traffic, and background environments worldwide, complemented by an assessment of regulatory frameworks and mitigation strategies. The evidence confirms that road transport is the dominant contributor to elevated NO2 concentrations, particularly at traffic sites, with traffic intensity, fleet composition, driving behavior, cold-start emissions, and street geometry emerging as primary controlling factors. Meteorological conditions influence dispersion but generally play a secondary role compared with emission-related drivers. Urban infrastructure, especially street canyons and tunnels, amplifies near-road NO2 levels and population exposure. Mitigation measures such as Low Emission Zones, vehicle fleet modernization, and infrastructural interventions can reduce NO2 concentrations, but their effectiveness is moderate and highly context-dependent. Sustained compliance with EU limit values and World Health Organization guideline levels requires integrated, multi-scale mitigation strategies.