Neighborhood Air Quality

About Neighborhood Air Quality

Air quality can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. That is why the **New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS)**keeps track of street-level air pollution from about 100 locations throughout New York City every season. NYCCAS is part of OneNYC, New York City’s long-term plan for sustainability.

The pollutants we measure are: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone (O3, summer), nitrogen oxides (NOx), black carbon from diesel exhaust, sulfur dioxide (SO2, winter) and nickel (Ni, winter).

In NYC, levels of fine particulate matter, black carbon, and sulfur dioxide are higher in high-poverty neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Air Quality and Health

Pollutants may have negative effects on health, including:

Breathing problems, such as coughing, and tightness in the chest
Acute respiratory problems, such as worsening of asthma and reduced lung function
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Low birthweight in newborns

Air pollution may affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable to risks, including:

Older adults
Children
People with heart and respiratory conditions

To Reduce Health Risks

Know how sensitive you are to air pollution, and keep track of your local Air Quality Index (AQI). Avoid strenuous physical activity or going outside on poor air quality days.
Reduce pollutant emissions by walking, biking, or using mass transit instead of a car, especially during rush hour.
Support policies that promote public transportation and energy conservation.