Bronte Wells
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, and despite having relatively clean air, it still produces a significant amount of pollution. The city's dense population, high mass transit use, and low automobile dependence contribute to its energy efficiency, but concentrated pollution leads to health issues such as asthma and other respiratory, circulatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and urinary illnesses. NYC's buildings are a major source of pollution, emitting NOx pollution and dangerous pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The city's geographical location and industrial activity in nearby states also impact its air quality. Various initiatives, such as Local Law 97 and the Mayor's Leading the Charge plan, aim to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in 2017, 2018, and 2019 | Less than 50, or "good" |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in 2020 | Less than 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air (as per EPA guidelines) |
| PM2.5 levels in 2017, 2018, and 2019 | 6.8, 7, and 7 μg/m3 respectively |
| Ozone levels | Above EPA limits |
| Ozone concentration | Higher in the summer |
| Greenhouse gas emissions per person | 7.1 metric tons per person per year |
| Percentage of New York City residents exposed to HAPs that increase cancer risk | 50% |
| Number of asthma-related emergency room admissions in 2016 for children ages 0-17 | 42,712 |
| Percentage of cases from the Bronx | 38% |
| Number of premature deaths due to pollution from fuel combustion in residential and commercial buildings in 2017 | 1,940 |
| Total health impact cost of the above in 2017 | $21.7 billion |
| Percentage of children in high-poverty neighborhoods with PM2.5-attributable asthma emergency department visits | 300% higher than the average |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from vehicles
New York City has relatively clean air on average, and its air quality has improved in recent years. However, air pollution remains a significant health hazard, causing 6% of annual deaths in the city.
One of the main sources of air pollution in New York City is vehicles. The city has the lowest per capita vehicle miles travelled of any US city, and its dense population and low automobile dependence make it one of the most energy-efficient cities in the US. However, its size and density also cause it to rank among the most congested cities in the nation, with 2.5 million residents driving into Manhattan every day. This congestion leads to high levels of vehicle emissions, which are concentrated in certain areas. For example, the Bronx accounts for approximately 38% of asthma-related emergency room admissions in the city, due in part to its proximity to major highways and bus depots.
Vehicle emissions include pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known carcinogens. A study found that areas of high congestion and traffic have 83% higher benzene levels and 45% higher formaldehyde levels than areas of lower congestion. These pollutants are particularly dangerous as they can travel deep into the respiratory tract, contributing to health conditions such as coughing, lung irritation, chronic bronchitis, and cardiovascular issues.
To address this issue, the city has promoted cleaner transportation options, such as requiring a large percentage of city-owned vehicles to be fuel-efficient hybrids or electric vehicles. The city also has the largest hybrid bus fleet in the country and was one of the first to introduce hybrid taxis. Additionally, a biodiesel processing plant will soon open in Brooklyn, distributing biodiesel to conventional gas stations in the city. These initiatives aim to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality in New York City.
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Air pollution from buildings
New York City has relatively clean air on average, with an air quality index (AQI) of less than 50 ("good") for the past three years (2017-2019). However, air pollution remains a significant concern, particularly due to the city's size, density, and abundant transportation infrastructure.
New York City's buildings contribute significantly to air pollution, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels for space and water heating. This combustion process releases various harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), oxides of nitrogen and sulfur (NOx and SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone levels in New York City exceed the prescribed limits, and the city's buildings generate twice as much NOx pollution as light-duty passenger vehicles and seven times as much as its power plants.
The health impacts of building air pollution are significant, with an estimated 1,940 premature deaths and $21.7 billion in health impacts attributed to fuel combustion in residential and commercial buildings in 2017. The pollution disproportionately affects communities of color, with exposure to PM2.5 emissions from residential gas combustion 17% higher than the population average. Additionally, burning fossil fuels in stoves and other appliances increases the risk of asthma in children and contributes to high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants in indoor spaces.
To address building air pollution, New York City has implemented Local Law 97 in 2019 to reduce emissions from large existing buildings. However, there are currently no plans to stop constructing new buildings that burn fossil fuels. A shift to all-electric buildings is proposed as a solution to reduce air pollution and improve health equity across the city.
While New York City has made progress in reducing certain pollutants, such as SO2, through regulations on heating oils, more comprehensive measures are needed to address the health and environmental impacts of building air pollution fully.
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Air pollution and health impacts
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, and despite having relatively clean air on average, air pollution poses a severe hazard to the health of its residents. The city's air quality has improved in recent decades, but air pollution still causes 6% of annual deaths in the city, making it one of the most significant environmental health problems.
The New York Health Department estimates that PM2.5 pollution, or fine particulate matter, contributes to more than 3,000 deaths and 2,000 hospital admissions for coronary and respiratory conditions annually. These small particles can travel deep into the respiratory tract and contribute to health conditions ranging from coughing or lung irritation to chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular issues. A 2011 report found that PM2.5-attributable asthma emergency department visit rates were more than three times higher among children in high-poverty neighborhoods. In 2016, there were 42,712 asthma-related emergency room admissions in New York City for children ages 0–17, with the Bronx accounting for approximately 38% of these cases.
Ozone is another pollutant that affects air quality in New York City. While ozone levels are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to its respiratory health effects, the levels in New York City exceed EPA limits. The city's buildings generate twice as much NOx pollution as light-duty passenger vehicles and seven times as much as its power plants, contributing significantly to poor air quality and adverse health impacts.
The city's dense population and low automobile dependence contribute to its energy efficiency, and its greenhouse gas emission levels are relatively low when measured per capita. However, the concentration of pollution in certain areas, such as the Bronx, leads to a high incidence of asthma and other respiratory conditions among residents.
To address these health impacts, the city has implemented initiatives such as the NYC Clean Heat program, which encourages building owners to convert to cleaner-burning fuels, and the "Leading the Charge" plan, which aims to electrify New York City schools and end the use of highly polluting heating oils.
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Air quality improvements
New York City has relatively clean air on average, especially considering it is the most populous city in the United States. However, air pollution in the city is concentrated and continues to threaten communities, particularly lower-income neighbourhoods and communities of colour, and raises the risk of heart and lung health complications.
Transition to electric and hybrid vehicles
New York City has the lowest per capita vehicle miles travelled of any US city, and its dense population and low automobile dependence help make it one of the most energy-efficient cities in the US. However, much of the air pollution in NYC comes from mobile emission sources, such as cars and trucks. Transitioning residents to electric and hybrid vehicles could greatly improve New York’s air quality. The city has pushed a three-pronged approach to promote this transition, including community outreach, increasing access to public charging stations, and improving accessibility and vehicle economics.
Reduce emissions from buildings
New York State consumes more fossil fuels in its residential and commercial buildings than any other state in the country, and NYC’s buildings are responsible for a significant portion of that consumption. Burning fuels for space and water heating accounts for nearly 40% of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. A shift to all-electric buildings can make for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable city.
Promote cleaner transportation options
New York City has the largest hybrid bus fleet in the country, and some of the first hybrid taxis. A large percentage of the city-owned vehicle fleet, including the personal cars of top city officials, have been required since 2005 to be fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. The city aims to achieve 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2021 and 850,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025.
Reduce energy use
The city's residents can reduce energy use at home and at work, such as by setting their air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or low cool in the summer, and lowering their heat thermostat in the winter.
Choose a cleaner commute
New Yorkers can opt for a cleaner commute by riding the subway or bus, or biking and walking to get around.
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Air pollution from waste
New York City has relatively clean air on average, especially considering it is the most populous city in the United States. However, air pollution remains a significant issue, with certain pollutants reaching dangerous levels and posing a severe hazard to the health of New Yorkers.
One of the main sources of air pollution in New York City is the burning of fossil fuels in residential and commercial buildings. This includes space and water heating appliances such as furnaces and boilers, which emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ammonia. In 2017, pollution from fuel combustion in buildings led to an estimated 1,940 premature deaths and $21.7 billion in health impacts.
Another significant contributor to air pollution in New York City is transportation. The city's dense population and low automobile dependence contribute to high mass transit use, with 2.5 million residents driving into Manhattan every day. While this helps make New York among the most energy-efficient in the United States, the concentration of pollution from vehicles, buses, and trucks in certain areas can be harmful. For example, the Bronx accounts for approximately 38% of asthma-related emergency room admissions for children, due in part to its proximity to major highways and bus depots.
To address air pollution from waste and improve air quality, New York City has implemented several measures. These include closing all municipal waste incinerators in 1994, passing legislation to phase out fossil fuels from new construction, and promoting the use of public transportation, bicycles, and pedestrian routes. The city also has the largest hybrid bus fleet in the country and some of the first hybrid taxis, with a biodiesel processing plant planned to open in Brooklyn. Additionally, Local Law 97 was enacted in 2019 to reduce emissions in large existing buildings, and efforts are being made to electrify new buildings.
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Frequently asked questions
New York City is ranked second for the most polluted urban air quality among New York State cities. However, compared to other US cities, it has relatively clean air.
The main sources of pollution in New York City are vehicles and buildings. The city has the lowest per capita vehicle miles travelled of any US city, but its dense population means that pollution is concentrated. New York City's buildings consume more fossil fuels than any other state, and the burning of these fuels releases several dangerous pollutants.
Air pollution causes 6% of annual deaths in the city, contributing to respiratory, circulatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and urinary illnesses. It is also linked to a high incidence of asthma, with 42,712 asthma-related emergency room admissions in 2016 for children aged 0-17.
New York City has implemented several initiatives to reduce pollution, including Local Law 97 in 2019 to reduce emissions in large existing buildings, the NYC Clean Heat program to encourage the use of cleaner burning fuels, and the Mayor's "Leading the Charge" plan to electrify the city's schools. The city also has the largest hybrid bus fleet in the country and requires many city-owned vehicles to be fuel-efficient hybrids.
