Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)

CAS Number: 10102-44-0
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a reddish-brown, acrid gas produced during combustion, welding, arc cutting, blasting operations, and the use of gas-powered equipment in confined spaces. It is also generated in agricultural silos (silo gas), chemical manufacturing, and during nitric acid production. NO₂ is a potent respiratory irritant that can cause pulmonary edema hours after exposure, sometimes with a deceptively mild initial presentation. Repeated or chronic exposure is associated with reduced lung function and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Due to its delayed health effects, real-time monitoring and immediate evacuation protocols are critical in high-risk environments.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) can build up in areas with diesel exhaust, propane-powered equipment, or hot work, creating an inhalation hazard in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Rent NO₂ detection equipment from RAECO Rents to support spot checks and continuous monitoring in warehouses, maintenance shops, manufacturing areas, and during confined space entry. Rental instruments are bump tested and span calibrated before each rental.

Regulatory Exposure Limits

Updated on March 17, 2026

OSHA PEL
TWA: N/A
STEL: N/A
C: 5 ppm (9 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL
TWA: N/A
STEL: 1 ppm (1.8 mg/m³)
C: N/A
ACGIH TLV
TWA: 0.2 ppm (0.38 mg/m³)
STEL: N/A
C: N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about
Where should NO₂ measurements be taken to reflect exposure?
In the breathing zone where workers are actually positioned and along the path of exhaust or plume travel. For enclosed work, check multiple locations over time rather than one doorway reading.
Do I need a dedicated NO₂ monitor or a multi-gas setup?
A dedicated NO₂ monitor is the right choice when NO₂ is the only target gas (e.g., ventilation compliance, indoor air quality screening near combustion). A multi-gas monitor makes more sense when you also need to track CO, O₂, or other gases simultaneously—common in confined spaces and industrial settings.
Should I monitor NO₂ alone or as part of an NOx plan?
Monitor NO₂ alone when your specific concern is NO₂ exposure (near combustion sources indoors, HVAC systems, compliance with the OSHA PEL). Consider an NOx approach (monitoring both NO and NO₂) when you're near diesel or combustion sources where both are generated, or when a full emissions or air quality picture is needed for reporting or permitting.
Why can NO₂ monitoring results be misleading?
Relying on one quick spot check after an event. NO₂ can linger and stratify — trend monitoring during the task or re-entry period, plus notes on ventilation, usually produces safer and more defensible decisions.
What should I know before renting for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) monitoring?
Confirm the source (diesel, welding, blasting), whether work is enclosed or underground, the ventilation plan, expected range, and whether you need datalogging or export for reporting. Also confirm whether an NOx plan covering both NO and NO₂ is more appropriate for the source.
When do I need nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) monitoring?
It matters most in diesel, welding, blasting, and combustion environments — especially enclosed or poorly ventilated areas — where short-duration peaks can occur and delayed respiratory effects are a concern.

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