2023-04-21 17:02:14
Data from the largest urban air monitoring program of any city in the United States shows that annual average levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitric oxide (NO) have dropped 40 percent, 38% and 58% respectively since 2009.
April 22, 2023 — Today, the Department of Health released the latest report from the New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS) that outlines ongoing improvements to air throughout the city. The report summarizes thirteen years of data from the largest ongoing urban air monitoring program of any US city. It also describes seasonal trends in air pollution levels from the winter of 2008-2009 through the fall of 2021, and highlights the sources that contribute to the high levels of pollutants in New York City neighborhoods. NYCCAS data collection and analysis provides insight into which city policies would lead to the greatest public health benefit. Maps showing neighborhood air pollution levels by year are also available online.
“Our health, the health of our city, and the health of our planet are intimately connected and affected, especially through the air we breathe,” said the health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Climate change is a public health concern, and cleaner air to breathe is an important component of a healthier city, people, and communities. The progress of recent years is encouraging, and we look forward to our upcoming work with agencies associates continue to make New York the largest city with the cleanest air in the world.
“By phasing out the use of dirty home heating fuel, transitioning more buildings and vehicles to electric, mining waste streams for renewable energy, and cracking down on trucks idling on our streets, the City of New York has made great progress in improving the air quality that we all share,” said Rohit T. Aggarwala, Climate Director and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. “Moving forward, as we implement Local Law 97 and substantially reduce emissions from our largest source of greenhouse gases, our buildings, we will also focus on those areas of the city that need the most air quality improvements.” .
To read the full press release in English.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue/Shari Logan
PressOffice@health.nyc.gov
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