Nitrogen dioxide hourly distribution and health risk assessment for winter season in low town of Mohammedia city, Morocco

Purpose Air quality and its assessment in urban areas has become a necessity. This is attributed to the increasing air pollution landscape from anthropogenic activities necessary for economic growth development. study investigates potential health risk posed nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) residents of low town Mohammedia city, Morocco. Design/methodology/approach The NO concentration was measured on an hourly basis winter season year 2014, 2015 2016. assessed terms Quality Index (AQI). Noncarcinogenic done evaluate possible inhabitant exposure. Findings maximum reached 85–96 µg/m 3 (at 6 p.m., 2014), 96–104 (7–9 2015) 102–117 (8–11 2016). AQI during levels (peak hours) ranged between 0–50 (good) 51–100 (unhealthy sensitive group). quotient (RQ) calculated average daily intake . RQ found be less than 1 (no risk, lifetime hourly) all three years. However, increase value 0.84 (2014) 0.98 (2016) indicates risk. Hence, policy measures should adopted reduce Originality/value very first kind area hence can serve as reference future works. Further studies are required assess other seasons (summer, spring, autumn), impact climatic condition parameters quality. Also, direct number cases needs investigated.