Clean Air

What Are the Health Risks?

Exposure to elevated levels of air pollution are linked to or exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, often leading to emergency department visits, hospitalizations and premature death, as well as reduced birth weight and cancer. The result is that Black, Asian, and Latino/a communities have some of the highest rates of asthma nationwide, and African Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma-related causes than the white population.

How is Air Quality in New York?

While air quality in New York City has improved over the past few decades due to actions taken to reduce pollution emissions, not all neighborhoods are experiencing that improvement equally. NYC neighborhoods with higher rates of poverty also have higher rates of nearby emissions and pre-existing illnesses that are more sensitive to air quality issues. In Northern Manhattan, residents continue to suffer disproportionately from the impacts of air pollution, particularly those living in East Harlem.