A recent air pollution study presented to Community Board 8 had some interesting results, some of which may not allow Upper East Siders to breathe easy. The study–conducted by Carmelli Leal, a senior studying Sustainable Development at Columbia University–analyzed four key pollutants in the area compared to NYC as a whole.
Leal and her team studied four key outdoor pollutants: ozone, PM2.5 (fine particles), black carbon and nitrogen dioxide. Data collection was carried out by mapping AM/PM routes in the area to determine peak outdoor activity times. Portable air quality monitors were attached to backpacks, allowing the team to gather real-time data while moving through the community.
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“We were intimately walking aside people as they lived their lives,” explained Leal.
The Upper East Side fares better than “most neighborhoods” in terms of its ozone levels. The area has fewer deaths from ozone and fewer overall health issues, as indicated by a lower number of ER visits and hospitalizations for asthma and respiratory problems caused by the air pollutant.
On the other hand, the Upper East Side has more fine particles than most neighborhoods. These are pollutants emitted by vehicles, boilers, and other combustion sources, and can severely impact one’s health. We’re also faring worse than most neighborhoods when it comes to black carbon, which is easily inhaled and can cause both short- and long-term health issues, as well as nitrogen dioxide, another pollutant caused by combustion.
screenshot from presentation
Leal says to understand why the UES may have a higher concentration of pollutants, it is important to view traffic trends. The Upper East Side tends to have more traffic density, particularly of large delivery trucks. During a recent Community Board 8 meeting, Fresh Direct and other companies deploying delivery vehicles were name-checked as big polluters in the area, and this ultimately lead to a discussion on congestion pricing.
ALSO READ: The Upper East Side Has Some Very Hot Bus Stops: Study
Leal says that whether you’re for or against congestion pricing, it’s important to analyze congestion pricing in Manhattan areas and note where would it push traffic, and to study the pros and cons of that. It was suggested that future funding received from congestion pricing should go to communities affected most by these pollutants.
Leal’s goal and course of study are to educate students and support effective coastal resilience planning and climate justice through social and data science learning, as well as data acquisition and analysis. The study hopes to make use of emerging technologies and best practices for collaboration with environmental and climate justice practitioners.
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Community Board members and local residents seemed to agree on how important education and information about air quality are to them and their families. Barbara Rudder, a CB8 co-chair, spoke eloquently about the need for more green space in the community.
Board member Sahar Husain noted that in addition to traffic causing air pollution, actual buildings were a leading cause of poor air quality. While Leal’s study didn’t differentiate between building and traffic pollutants, Leal agreed that buildings do contribute to air quality and can create massive air pollution.
Local resident Erin Farrell-Talbot, who was initially unaware of the study, commented after learning of the results. “I walk along the FDR (East River Promenade) several times a week, and I’ve noticed an increase in traffic— the exhaust smell is worse than it used to be.” Talbot-Farrel adds, “However, the proximity to the river and the open spaces of the park create a sense of airflow that makes the air feel more breathable compared to other congested parts of the city. When you choose to live in a big city, elevated pollution is somewhat expected, compared to places like the ocean or the mountains.”
