Helena Joyce
Queens, New York, has an air pollution problem. The air quality in NYC is generally good and has been improving over time. However, fine particles (PM2.5) are among the most harmful pollutants, and long-term exposure to PM2.5 contributes to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year in NYC. About 30% of PM2.5 comes from far-away sources like coal-burning power plants in the Midwest, but more than half comes from local sources. Traffic density, building density, and industrial areas all affect a neighborhood's air quality. Queens currently has a moderate AQI level of 52, which is 3.6 times the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current AQI level | 52 (Moderate) |
| Best AQI level in the last 24 hours | 46 (Good) |
| Worst AQI level in the last 24 hours | 47 (Good) |
| PM2.5 concentration | 3.6 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value |
| Risk of asthma symptoms | Moderate |
| Air quality trend in the last 24 hours | Improving |
| Factors affecting air quality | Traffic density, building density, industrial areas, weather patterns |
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What You'll Learn
Queens' AQI (Air Quality Index) is currently moderate
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Queens, New York, is currently moderate, with a rating of 52 as of 4:54 PM on 22 June 2025. This is an improvement from earlier in the day, when the AQI was rated good at 46. The AQI in Queens is currently within the acceptable range, although some pollutants may be a concern for sensitive individuals.
The main pollutant in Queens is PM2.5, with a concentration that is 3.6 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. This level of PM2.5 pollution can be a risk factor for respiratory issues, with moderate symptoms including frequent wheezing, noticeable shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent cough.
The recent rainfall in Queens, measured at 1.08mm/hr, has likely contributed to the moderate AQI rating. The AQI levels in Queens are expected to fluctuate, with alerts for air quality issues due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
Queens residents can take proactive steps to manage their exposure to pollutants, especially if they are sensitive to air quality changes. Staying informed about real-time AQI levels and following health recommendations can help mitigate potential respiratory issues associated with moderate AQI levels.
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PM2.5 levels are 3.6 times WHO guidelines
The air quality in Queens, New York City, is a concern for some residents. While the air quality in NYC is generally good and has been improving over time, there are still some pollutants that may affect sensitive individuals.
PM2.5 levels are a particular issue in the area. These fine particles are among the most harmful pollutants, and long-term exposure to them contributes to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year in NYC. Short-term exposure can also cause severe asthma incidents. Although NYC meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of an annual average under 12 μg/m3, and a 24-hour average under 35 μg/m3, there are still large variations in air quality from hour to hour. PM2.5 levels can spike due to daily changes in traffic volume, weather patterns that trap emissions, and other short-term events.
In Queens, the PM2.5 concentration is currently 3.6 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. This is a serious issue as these particles are so small that they can be inhaled deep into the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of health issues, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
To address this issue, the city could implement measures such as reducing emissions from vehicles and industrial sources, encouraging the use of electric cars, and improving fuel and emission standards. Real-time air quality data can also help identify trends and take preventive actions to reduce PM2.5 levels. Additionally, individuals can monitor their local air quality and limit outdoor activities when levels are poor, especially if they are sensitive to air pollution.
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Traffic density affects air quality
Queens, New York, has a current AQI (Air Quality Index) level of 52, which is considered moderate. This is an improvement from the previous day, where the worst AQI level was 47, still in the "good" range. Despite these "good" and "moderate" AQI levels, the PM2.5 concentration in Queens is 3.6 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value. This is a significant issue as PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, can cause short and long-term health issues, especially for sensitive individuals.
Traffic density is a significant factor contributing to air pollution in urban areas. The increase in vehicles on the road leads to greater vehicular air pollution, with motorcycles contributing more pollutants than passenger cars. This is due to the higher emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter from motorcycles. As a result, toxin centralizations near streets are connected to transportation, indicating the density of residents and metropolitan toxic waste.
In large cities, population densification leads to increased automobile pollution. The severity and duration of traffic congestion directly impact the increase in pollutant emissions, particularly near large roadways. This has been observed in urban China, where the rapid development of the economy and automobile industry has led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles, resulting in deteriorated air quality. The increase in vehicle volume has been identified as the most significant contributor to air pollution compared to other factors such as population density.
The adverse health impacts of vehicle emissions are well-documented. Studies have shown excess morbidity and mortality for drivers, commuters, and individuals living near major roadways due to the increased presence of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma symptoms such as frequent wheezing, noticeable shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent cough.
To address these issues, real-time air pollution monitoring tools are necessary for fast and effective policy decision-making. Additionally, improving transport infrastructure and reducing vehicle emissions through measures such as increasing gasoline costs can help mitigate the problem of atmospheric air pollution and improve the overall quality of life in affected areas.
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Building density affects air quality
Queens, New York, is currently facing air pollution levels that are 3.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual PM2.5 guideline value. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in Queens was 52 ("Moderate") on June 22, 2025, at 4:54 PM, with moderate symptoms including frequent wheezing, noticeable shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent cough.
Building density has been found to impact air quality, particularly in urban areas. Studies have shown that occupant health is significantly affected by neighborhood building density, with higher densities contributing to increased heat vulnerability, higher death rates during epidemics, lower fertility rates, and a potential increase in lung cancer risk. However, the impact of building density on lung cancer may be influenced by traffic volume rather than solely by density.
Additionally, higher building densities can negatively affect surface water management and threaten the provision of recreational green spaces. The decrease in surface area due to higher building density can impact the quality of these spaces and may not adequately address the needs of residents. Furthermore, social interaction tends to be negatively correlated with density, as residents in high-density areas interact less frequently with their immediate neighbors.
On the other hand, higher-density communities have been found to emit fewer GHG emissions from cooling, heating, and transportation. This is particularly true for passenger vehicle emissions, as higher densities may encourage alternative forms of transportation. However, the impact on overall emissions may depend on factors such as air travel, which can contribute to higher emissions in metropolitan areas.
The relationship between building density and air quality is complex and influenced by various factors. While higher densities can have negative consequences, careful planning and consideration of the neighborhood environment during the building design and assessment stages can help mitigate these impacts and promote healthier living conditions for occupants.
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Air quality is improving over time
Queens, New York, has a moderate air quality index (AQI) score, with some pollutants that may be a concern for sensitive individuals. The air quality in NYC is generally good and has been improving over time. For instance, new heating oil regulations have caused PM2.5 levels to drop dramatically, and SO2 levels are now undetectable.
PM2.5 particles are among the most harmful pollutants. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 contributes to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year in NYC, and short-term exposure contributes to asthma incidents severe enough to require a trip to the emergency department. NYC meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of an annual average of under 12 μg/m3, and a 24-hour average under 35 μg/m3. However, there is a large variation in air quality from hour to hour, and PM2.5 levels can spike to levels that can harm health, especially for people sensitive to air pollution. These spikes are driven by daily changes in traffic volume, weather patterns that can trap emissions, and other short-term events.
Traffic density affects a neighborhood's air quality because engines produce PM2.5, black carbon, and NOx. While electric vehicles help reduce emissions, all vehicles also contribute to PM2.5 through tire wear and braking. Traffic volume is one reason we often see daily spikes in PM2.5 concentration in the mornings and evenings. Midtown, which has the highest traffic density, usually has the most PM2.5. PM2.5 levels usually rise in the morning as traffic volume increases.
About 30% of PM2.5 in NYC comes from far-away sources like coal-burning power plants in the Midwest, but more than half comes from local sources. Building density affects a neighborhood's air quality because, like vehicles, buildings burn fuel and emit pollutants. This is one reason we often see more air pollution in the winter. Industrial areas also affect a neighborhood's air quality because of diesel exhaust from trucks idling and traveling through, and from industrial combustion equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
On a scale of good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous, the air quality in Queens is moderate. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level was 52 on 22 June 2025, 4:54 PM.
Traffic density is a significant contributor to air pollution in Queens. Engines produce PM2.5, black carbon, and NOx, and diesel combustion from trucks also produces additional pollutants.
The AQI in Queens is lower than Brooklyn (65), Manhattan (60), and the Bronx (60). However, it is higher than Staten Island (52).
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 in NYC contributes to an estimated 2,000 excess deaths from lung and heart disease each year. Short-term exposure can also lead to severe asthma incidents and other health threats.
Electric vehicles can help reduce emissions, as all vehicles contribute to PM2.5 through tire wear and braking. Additionally, congestion pricing can be explored as a way to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
