The Harmful Effects of Nitrogen Oxide
Nitrogen oxide (NO2) is a toxic, red brown coloured pungent gas, similar to chlorine, which can easily be liquefied to N2O4 (dinitrogen tetroxide) under dimerization (polymerization). It shows up in the atmosphere as a trace gas, highest values can be measured close to the ground.
Nitrogen oxide belongs to the group of nitrogen oxides, also named as NOx.
According to a study of the Federal Environment Agency UBA from 2013, a high concentration of nitrogen oxide (NO2) in the breathing air of a human being leads to eye irritation, cough reflex and discomfort in the respiratory tract. At a long term damages in the respiratory system may occur, accompanied by an increase of cardiovascular diseases.
Under chemical aspect nitrogen oxide has a strongly oxidising effect and contributes to the formation of ozone close to the ground. At the same time nitrogen oxide leads to over-fertilization and acidification of soils being followed by damage of the vegetation. The World Health Organization (WHO) especially classified NO2 as “carcinogenic to human beings”, a fact which is emphasized again and again by the German Environmental Aid.
The Blue Badge for Diesel Restriction Zones
In Germany, the Blue Badge might be introduced in 2020. It is required to access diesel restriction zones.
In 2020, cities and communities will introduce driving restrictions for various EURO classes of diesel vehicles. Therefore, the Blue Badge becomes a need in order to distinguish older diesel vehicles and EURO classes as well as petrol vehicles without particle filter from vehicles with a lower emission of pollutants.
Vehicles which should get a Blue Badge
General information about diesel restriction zones and implementation.
Already set diesel restriction zones (Blue Zones): Hamburg and Stuttgart
Possible cities and municipalities for diesel restriction zones