NYC Subway Riders See ‘Exceptionally High’ Air Pollution
A new study finds that longer commutes mean higher levels of the pollutant PM2.5. Low-income riders face the highest burden.
Average concentrations of fine-particle air pollution are 10 times higher on NYC subway platforms than the 24-hour guideline set by the World Health Organization, according to a new study.
Photographer: David Dee Delgado/BloombergThe New York City subway may be faster and cheaper than the alternatives for many commuters, but when it comes to air quality, it’s not necessarily healthier.
Levels of the dangerous fine-particle air pollution known as PM2.5 are “exceptionally high” on platforms and train cars, according to the authors of a new study on New York City’s subway air quality. And those New Yorkers with the highest exposure are disproportionately low-income, Black and Hispanic, the researchers find.