NYC subway riders see ‘exceptionally high’ air pollution

In a new study led by Professor Masoud Ghandehari, NYU Tandon researchers found that New York City subway commuters are exposed to dangerously high levels of PM2.5 air pollution. The study reveals that Black and Hispanic workers and those from low-income communities face disproportionately higher exposure due to longer commutes and greater reliance on the subway system. Ghandehari's team created an interactive map for commuters to calculate their personal exposure but emphasizes that the responsibility for improving air quality lies with transit agencies, not individuals. The work was funded in part by NYU Tandon’s C2SMARTER, a U.S. Department of Transportation Tier 1 University Transportation Center.