Air quality

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About Air quality

Air quality is a measure of the condition of the air around us. The less air pollution there is, the better the air quality.

Like many cities, New York City’s air contains particles, liquid droplets, gases, and other contaminants that could impact health. Two pollutants, particulate matter and ground-level ozone, are of particular health concern.

Although New York City’s air does not currently meet federal air quality standards, it has improved significantly over the past two decades.

Air Pollution and Health

Pollutants may affect human health negatively in a variety of ways. People may experience symptoms and health issues such as: 

  • Coughing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Reduced lung function
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Low birthweight in newborns

Air pollution may affect anyone. Certain groups may be more vulnerable to health risks from poor air quality, such as:

  • Older adults (above 65 years)
  • Children
  • People with heart or lung conditions

To Reduce Health Risks

  • Keep track of your local Air Quality Index (AQI) if you or your child is sensitive to air pollution. Avoid strenuous activity or going outside on poor air quality days.
  • Reduce air pollutants by walking, biking, or using mass transit instead of a car, especially during rush hour.
  • Support policies that promote public transportation and energy conservation.

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.

In NYC, health impacts from fine particulate matter, black carbon, and sulfur dioxide are higher in high-poverty neighborhoods.

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Air quality action days

Action days for sensitive groups are counted when either ozone or PM2.5 levels are above 100, and for the general population when levels are above 150.

Fine particles (PM 2.5) action days

Fine particles are emitted by vehicles, building boilers, and other combustion - and are a major form of air pollution that harms health.

Ozone action days

Ozone is a common air pollutant that can harm breathing and worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Black carbon

Black carbon is a major component of fine particles in the air. Fine particles are easily inhaled and contribute to both short-term acute health effects, as well as long-term chronic illness.

Fine particles (PM 2.5)

Fine particles are emitted by vehicles, building boilers, and other combustion - and are a major form of air pollution that harms health.

Nitric oxide (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are a group of pollutants formed by combusion that damage lung tissue, cause breathing problems, and contribute to smog and acid rain.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant formed by combusion that damage lung tissue, cause breathing problems, and contribute to smog and acid rain.

Ozone (O3)

Ozone is a common air pollutant that can harm breathing and worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide comes from burning some kinds of fuel oil. As an air pollutant, it can can worsen lung diseases.