August 12th 2024.
A recent study has brought to light a concerning issue in New York City - the toxic air in the subway system is disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic riders. According to researchers from New York University, who shared their findings with Gothamist on August 7th, these communities are facing a higher risk of health problems due to longer commutes and more train transfers.
The study revealed that Black riders are the most impacted, experiencing a staggering 35% more polluted air compared to their white and Asian counterparts. Similarly, Hispanic riders face 23% more polluted air. This alarming statistic is attributed to the fact that the subway trains retain particles of contaminated air, leaving passengers with no choice but to inhale the fumes during their journeys. In fact, the air quality in the transit system is 15 times more potent than the limit set by the World Health Organization.
One of the researchers involved in the study, Masoud Ghandehari, explained the mechanism behind this issue. He stated that the underground trains act as a trap for toxic pollutants, putting riders of color at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Ghandehari elaborated, "When the train passes through, all the metal in the bottom of the tunnel gets stirred up. And every time the doors open, the concentration of pollutants inside the train increases because the outdoor environment - the platforms - have a higher concentration of pollutants."
So, what is the solution proposed by Ghandehari and his team? Well, it's a simple yet effective one - a thorough cleaning of the subway system. Ghandehari emphasized the need to remove the accumulated dust and pollutants from the tunnels, stating that it is the root cause of the issue. He explained, "All that dust needs to be cleaned up. It settles at the bottom of the tunnel, and when a train arrives at a station, it churns up everything and causes a spike in the concentration of pollutants in the air."
However, not everyone in the city is on board with Ghandehari's solution. Tim Minton, the Communications Director at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, dismissed the study as "recycled" and based on outdated data. In a statement, he said, "Every serious person knows that public transit is the key to combating climate change. It is also the reason why NYC is considered the greenest city and is a source of equal opportunities for people from all backgrounds who rely on an affordable and safe means of transportation to get to work, school, and other opportunities."
This brings to light a larger issue of inclusivity in the city's efforts towards sustainability. While the focus may be on reducing pollution, it is crucial to ensure that these efforts do not disproportionately harm marginalized communities. The study serves as a reminder that inclusivity should be at the forefront of any environmental initiatives.
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