Work

Investigating inequalities in NO2 air pollution concentrations on novel indicators relating to small spatial areas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), a significant air pollutant from transport-related fossil fuel combustion, presents a critical environmental health challenge. This study analyses NO 2 trends in Ireland from 2010 to 2020, leveraging the country’s low-pollution baseline as a unique case study to analyse inequalities in NO 2 concentrations across the country. Data at a small area level from Census 2022 were integrated with measurements of NO 2 concentrations to assess environmental inequalities across novel indicators such as housing tenancy and self-rated health alongside conventional socioeconomic measures. The research uncovers clear evidence of environmental inequalities in NO 2 concentrations, with higher levels found in neighbourhoods with larger proportions of non-white populations and non-owner-occupied housing. A stratified urban-rural analysis shows these disparities were most pronounced in urban areas. A U-shaped relationship between NO 2 levels and deprivation, educational attainment, and skills, suggests that while the most and least deprived may experience similar NO 2 concentrations, the health burden on disadvantaged groups may be amplified by co-occurring vulnerabilities. These findings underscore an urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the disproportionate burden of NO 2 air pollution on vulnerable communities in Ireland.

Source: International Journal for Equity in Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12939-025-02674-1

Authors: Aislinn Hoy, Gretta Mohan, Anne Nolan

Institutions: Trinity College Dublin, Economic and Social Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Justice and Health Disparities

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,690