The Health Hazard Inside New York City’s Subway

While a robust underground rail system reduces fossil fuel emissions and traffic congestion, it can also carry some of its own pollution risks. A new study on air quality inside New York City’s subway found that riders are exposed to hazardous levels of fine particulate pollution, or PM2.5, which can travel deep into the lungs. Low-income Black and Hispanic commuters, who are more likely to rely on the subway and have longer journeys, are disproportionately affected.

To help riders calculate their risk, the researchers created a map allowing users to input their origin and destination — though as they tell Maria Clara Cobo, the burden should not be on individuals to protect themselves. Today on CityLab: NYC Subway Riders See ‘Exceptionally High’ Air Pollution