Air Pollution In Nyc: How Bad Is It?

Despite being the most populous city in the United States, New York City (NYC) has relatively clean air. NYC's air quality has improved over the past several decades, and the city has been working to lower emissions from regional and local sources. However, air pollution continues to be a concern for the environment and the well-being of New Yorkers, with pollutants such as ozone and PM2.5 causing about 2,400 deaths per year in the city. NYC's air pollution levels can be compared to those of other cities, and the city has been taking various initiatives to tackle this issue, such as introducing congestion fees and promoting cleaner transportation options.

NYC's air quality has improved over the years, but progress has stagnated recently

New York City's air quality has improved over the years, but progress has stagnated in recent times. Despite being the most populous city in the United States, NYC has relatively clean air on average. The city's air quality index (AQI) has been "good" for the last few years (2017-2019), according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which defines "good" air quality as air that poses little to no risk to health.

However, this progress has slowed down. From 2017 to 2018, there was a slight increase in PM2.5 pollution, and the annual average remained unchanged from 2018 to 2019. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a dangerous and prevalent air pollutant, considered one of the most harmful to human health. Ozone (O3) and PM2.5 are the two main pollutants in NYC, causing about 2,400 deaths per year and thousands of hospitalizations for asthma, heart, and lung problems. These pollutants are caused by smoke from fires, including building fires, wildfires, and even fireworks.

The COVID-19 lockdown measures in 2020 resulted in a 25% reduction in fine particle pollution (PM2.5) compared to 2019, as fewer cars and trucks were on the road. NYC has the lowest per capita vehicle miles traveled of any US city, but its size and density cause it to rank among the most congested. Transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles could significantly improve NYC's air quality. The city aims to achieve 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2021 and 850,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

To promote cleaner transportation options, NYC has implemented a three-pronged approach, including community outreach, increasing access to public charging stations, and improving vehicle economics. Additionally, the city encourages residents to reduce energy use, set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees in the summer, and choose cleaner commutes, such as riding the subway or bus or walking and biking. These collective efforts are crucial to improving NYC's air quality and reducing the health risks associated with air pollution.

NYC's air quality is relatively clean compared to other cities

Despite being the most populous city in the United States, New York City has relatively clean air on average. For the last three years for which we have data (2017, 2018, and 2019), New York's air quality index (AQI) has remained less than 50, or "good." The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines "good" air quality as air that poses little to no risk to health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a slightly more stringent threshold for PM2.5 levels than the US EPA ( <10 μg/m3). Since at least 2017, New York air quality has consistently fallen within this target (2017, 2018, and 2019 averaged 6.8, 7, and 7 μg/m3 respectively). These annual PM2.5 levels are comparable to the air quality of Taos, New Mexico, and Waco, Texas (6.9 and 6.8 μg/m3, respectively).

New York City's air quality has improved in recent decades, as the City and State have worked to lower emissions from regional and local sources. More recently, progress has been relatively stagnant. From 2017 to 2018, there was a very small increase in PM2.5 pollution of 0.2 μg/m3, while the annual average remained unchanged from 2018 to 2019 (7 μg/m3). A gradual shift towards more electric vehicles and cleaner energy provides an opportunity to drive emissions and pollution levels down further in the future.

During the COVID-19 lockdown period in March 2020, New York observed a 25% reduction in fine particle pollution (PM2.5) compared to the same time period in 2019. During the analyzed three-week period (March 23 - April 13, 2020), 100% of hours were in the best US AQI "good" category (up from 94% in 2019).

To tackle air pollution, the New York government has also introduced a congestion fee – the first of its kind in the United States – with the aim of discouraging the use of motor vehicles. Governor Kathy Hochul has also proposed a plan to ban fossil fuel automobiles by 2035 and make the city EV-friendly.

NYC's air pollution is a health concern, causing thousands of deaths and hospitalisations

Despite being the most populous city in the United States, New York City has relatively clean air on average. For instance, in 2017, 2018, and 2019, New York's air quality index (AQI) remained less than 50, or "good." The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines "good" air quality as air that poses little to no risk to health. However, air pollution in NYC is still a paramount concern, causing thousands of deaths and hospitalisations.

The New York Health Department estimates that PM2.5 pollution contributes to more than 3,000 deaths and 2,000 hospital admissions for coronary and respiratory conditions annually. Another source claims that two air pollutants, ozone and PM2.5, cause about 2,400 deaths per year in NYC, and thousands more emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma, heart and lung problems. Those most at risk include older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with preexisting health conditions.

Ozone is among the most dangerous gaseous pollutants and a critical component of smog. The State of the Air Report published by the American Lung Association gave New York City an "F" for ozone pollution. A 2011 analysis found that roughly 10% of hospital visits for asthma in New York City are attributable to ozone pollution.

The majority of fine particles in New York City's air originate from outside of the city, and local sources account for differences within the city. Primary sources include transport exhaust, particularly from cars, heavy-duty trucks, ships, and planes, industrial businesses on the city outskirts, and residential buildings in New York City that burn residual fuel oil. City efforts to promote cleaner transportation options offer an opportunity for improving New York City's roadside chemical levels. A gradual shift towards more electric vehicles and cleaner energy provides an opportunity to drive emissions and pollution levels down further in the future.

NYC's transportation sector is the dominant contributor to emissions

New York City has relatively clean air on average, especially when compared to other cities of similar size and population. For instance, NYC's air quality index (AQI) has been "good" for the last three years (2017, 2018, and 2019), indicating little to no health risk. However, NYC's transportation sector, which includes vehicles like personal cars, subways, aircraft, and ships, is the dominant contributor to the state's emissions.

The transportation sector in New York is responsible for the largest share of the state's total annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2018, the transportation sector generated 83.3 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2, or 47% of the state's total emissions. This is a significant increase from 1990, when the transportation sector contributed 31% of total state emissions. The transportation sector's emissions are more than double that of the next largest sector, residential real estate.

Despite having the lowest per capita vehicle miles traveled of any US city, much of NYC's air pollution comes from mobile emission sources such as cars and trucks. To address this issue, NYC has implemented policies to reduce emissions and improve air quality. For example, Local Laws 39 and 40, signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2005, require the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and emission control technology for certain city vehicles, such as diesel-fuelled motor vehicles owned by city agencies and solid waste or recyclable materials contract vehicles.

Additionally, NYC has been working to promote cleaner transportation options, such as electric vehicles, and more efficient energy sources. The pandemic's impact on travel and remote work may also contribute to reduced vehicle use and airline travel, which could help lower emissions in the long run. Furthermore, NYC's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) of 2019 has set ambitious goals to reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030 and by 85% by 2050.

While NYC's transportation sector is the dominant contributor to emissions, the city has been taking steps to reduce its environmental impact and improve air quality for its residents.

NYC's government is implementing initiatives to reduce air pollution

New York City's air quality has improved in recent decades, but air pollution remains a significant environmental threat. The city is implementing a range of initiatives to reduce air pollution and protect the health and well-being of its residents.

One key initiative is the Air Pollution Control Code (Air Code), which aims to preserve, protect, and improve the air quality in New York City. The Air Code is regularly updated and enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address the various forms of air pollution that negatively impact the city.

The city is also committed to reducing ambient pollution level exposures. By 2030, New York aims to reduce disparities in pollution levels within the city by 20% for PM2.5 and 50% for sulfur dioxide (SO2) relative to 2013 levels. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a dangerous and prevalent air pollutant that can cause serious health issues such as heart and lung diseases. SO2, emitted from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and industrial facilities, is associated with increased respiratory illnesses and contributes to acid rain.

To achieve these goals, New York is encouraging cleaner transportation options and a shift towards more electric vehicles. The city has the lowest per capita vehicle miles traveled of any US city, but much of its air pollution still comes from mobile emission sources such as cars and trucks. By promoting public transportation, biking, and walking, the city aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

In addition to these initiatives, New York City also provides tips for residents to help lower air pollution levels. These include reducing energy use, setting air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or lower in the summer, and following the city's car idling law. The city also encourages residents to check forecasted air quality levels and limit their time outside when air quality is poor, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and older adults.

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