The Dark Side Of Nyc: A Pollutant Hub

New York City is the largest city in the United States and has worked to improve its air quality over the years. However, air pollution remains a pressing issue, with pollutants such as ozone and PM2.5 causing about 2,400 deaths per year in NYC and thousands of hospitalizations for asthma, heart, and lung problems. The city's high population density and traffic congestion contribute to elevated levels of pollutants, particularly in areas with high building and traffic density. While the overall air quality in NYC has improved, certain neighbourhoods continue to experience the negative health impacts of polluted air, with higher rates of pollution-related hospitalisations and emergency department visits.

Air quality and health impacts

New York City, a bustling metropolis, is known for its iconic skyline and vibrant atmosphere. However, the city has also gained a reputation for being a significant contributor to air pollution, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact

Stationary and mobile sources of pollution

New York City's air pollution is caused by a combination of stationary and mobile sources. Stationary sources of pollution refer to fixed locations, such as large facilities like power plants, manufacturing facilities, petroleum refineries, chemical plants, and electricity-generating facilities. Smaller stationary sources include gasoline stations, dry cleaners, and paint spray booths. These stationary sources of pollution have a significant impact on nearby neighbourhoods, with nearly all neighbourhoods with high pollution-attributable emergency department visits located within a mile of a large stationary source polluting facility.

To regulate and reduce emissions from stationary sources, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires "major" stationary sources to submit annual emissions statements. The EPA also develops emissions inventories, which include data on both criteria pollutants and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). In New York City, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has the authority to require facilities to install pollution control equipment and change operating procedures to reduce air pollution.

Mobile sources of pollution, on the other hand, include vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other motor vehicles on public roadways. Despite New York City having the lowest per capita vehicle miles travelled of any US city, much of the city's air pollution comes from these mobile emission sources. To estimate air pollution emissions from mobile sources, the DEC uses the EPA's Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) model, which takes into account various factors such as vehicle populations, ages, miles travelled, and fuel data.

In addition to on-road mobile sources, non-road mobile sources include equipment such as airports, locomotives, and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The EPA estimates emissions from these sources using approved models, surveys, and data from local ports and the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration.

Both stationary and mobile sources of pollution contribute to the overall air quality issues in New York City. The city has been taking steps to address these issues, such as promoting cleaner transportation options and providing assistance to small businesses to comply with air pollution control regulations.

Ambient air pollution

New York City's air quality has improved in recent decades, but ambient air pollution remains a significant issue. Fine particles (PM2.5) are among the most harmful pollutants in NYC, with long-term exposure contributing to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year. The city's high population density and traffic congestion contribute to elevated levels of PM2.5, particularly in neighbourhoods with high-traffic volumes.

Traffic density significantly affects air quality, with diesel combustion from trucks and traffic volume contributing to higher levels of PM2.5, black carbon, and NOx. Midtown, which has the highest traffic density, usually has the most PM2.5. To address this issue, NYC has promoted the use of electric and hybrid vehicles and aims to achieve 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2021 and 850,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

Building density also impacts air quality, as buildings burn fuel and emit pollutants from boilers, particularly during the winter months. Industrial areas, with diesel exhaust from trucks and industrial combustion equipment, further contribute to air pollution. Wildfires, which have become more frequent due to changing climate conditions, can also inundate the city with dangerous levels of air pollution for extended periods.

While NYC's air quality has improved, challenges remain, particularly regarding the negative health impacts experienced by certain communities due to polluted air. Efforts to reduce air pollution should focus on neighbourhoods with the worst health impacts, and the implementation of regulations and the promotion of zero-emission vehicles will be key to achieving clean air in NYC.

Indoor air quality

While outdoor air pollution is a pressing issue in NYC, indoor air quality is equally important, especially considering the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. Young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions tend to fall into this category and are more vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollutants.

Indoor air pollutants can include cigarette or cannabis smoke, cooking fumes, household products like paints, cleaners, and air fresheners, as well as furniture and building materials such as pressed wood products and carpets. Poor building maintenance can also lead to pest infestations, mould growth, and building damage, all of which contribute to poor indoor air quality.

To improve indoor air quality, it is essential to remove or reduce these pollutant sources and regularly ventilate indoor spaces with fresh air from outdoors. This can be done by opening windows at optimal times when outdoor air pollution is low. For homes near high-traffic areas, consider the placement of windows before opening them, and opt for air conditioning when indoor temperatures are comfortable. Additionally, using air purifiers or air sanitizers can help improve indoor air quality, although their effectiveness varies.

Health effects from indoor air pollutants can range from minor issues like headaches, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea to more serious problems like allergic reactions, organ damage, and possibly cancer. It is important to be vigilant about potential indoor air quality issues and consult a doctor if any health concerns arise.

Regulations and public transportation

New York City has come a long way since the middle of the 20th century when it had the most polluted air of any big city in the United States. The air quality in NYC has vastly improved over the past six decades and continues to do so. However, air pollution remains a significant environmental threat.

The transportation sector in New York is responsible for the largest share of the state's annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2019, the US Environmental Protection Agency awarded New York City $9.35 million to improve air safety, with $8 million intended for air pollution control programs and $1 million for expanding the city's PM2.5 monitoring network. The city has successfully demonstrated the ability of regulations and public transportation to create a safe living environment.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City has transitioned to cleaner fuels and engines, leading to a decline in air pollution, especially nitrous oxide. Beginning in 2000, the MTA started deploying compressed natural gas, hybrid electric, and low-sulfur diesel buses to reduce urban air pollution. Existing buses were also retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. The Federal Clean Air Act of 1990 set standards for all new bus purchases, mandating select cities, including New York City, to purchase clean fuel buses.

The New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) of 2019 aims to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 and by 85% by 2050. To meet these ambitious targets, reducing emissions from transportation will be crucial. Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation requiring 100% of new passenger cars and trucks sold in New York State to be zero-emissions by 2035.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) plays a vital role in safeguarding the environment. They issue permits and licenses to individuals, municipalities, and corporations to comply with environmental regulations. NYSDEC is undertaking a community-based air quality monitoring initiative focusing on ten disadvantaged communities with high air pollution burdens across the state.

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