NYC Community Air Survey — Neighborhood Data

NYC Air Quality
by Neighborhood — Free

Monitor fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone levels across NYC neighborhoods. Data from the NYC Community Air Survey — the most comprehensive neighborhood-level air quality monitoring program in the US.

Download NYC Intel Free Air Quality Indicators
What We Monitor

NYC Air Quality Indicators

The NYC Community Air Survey (NYCCAS) monitors multiple air pollutants across all five boroughs. NYC Intel surfaces neighborhood-level data for the indicators most relevant to public health.

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Fine Particulate Matter
PM2.5

Tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. The most health-damaging pollutant in NYC, strongly linked to heart disease, asthma, and premature death.

Primary health concern in NYC
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Nitrogen Dioxide
NO₂

Emitted by vehicles and building boilers. Causes respiratory irritation and contributes to smog formation. Highest near major roads and in high-traffic neighborhoods.

Linked to asthma development
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Ozone
O₃

Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with vehicle and industrial emissions. Causes lung inflammation and is worst on hot, sunny days in summer.

Worst in summer, especially outdoors
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Black Carbon
BC

A component of diesel exhaust closely associated with traffic sources. Highest near expressways and in neighborhoods with heavy truck traffic.

Indicator of near-road pollution
What Drives NYC Air Quality

Sources of Air Pollution in NYC

Understanding what drives air quality in your neighborhood helps explain why some areas see higher pollution levels than others.

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Traffic & Diesel Trucks

Vehicle exhaust — especially from diesel buses and trucks — is the largest source of PM2.5 and NO2 in NYC neighborhoods. Proximity to expressways and freight routes matters most.

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Building Boilers

Heating oil boilers, particularly older No. 4 and No. 6 oil burners, contribute significantly to fine particle levels. NYC's phase-out of heavy heating oils has improved air quality in recent years.

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Industrial Activity

Neighborhood-level industrial operations, truck depots, and warehouses add local pollution sources on top of regional background levels.

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Regional Transport

Pollution from upwind states and regions drifts into NYC, especially in summer. This background pollution affects all neighborhoods similarly and varies by weather patterns.

How to Use

Check Air Quality for Any NYC Neighborhood

1

Download NYC Intel

Free iOS app — no account or signup required.

2

Enter Any NYC Address

Type any address and NYC Intel identifies the community district and associated air quality monitoring data.

3

Tap Air Quality

See PM2.5, NO2, and other pollutant levels for your neighborhood from the NYC Community Air Survey.

4

Compare Neighborhoods

See how your neighborhood's air quality compares to NYC averages and other areas you're considering.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check air quality for my NYC neighborhood?
Download NYC Intel (free, no account). Enter any address and tap Air Quality to see PM2.5, NO2, and other indicators for your neighborhood from the NYC Community Air Survey.
Which NYC neighborhoods have the worst air quality?
Neighborhoods near major expressways and freight routes — including parts of the South Bronx, Greenpoint/Williamsburg, and areas near the BQE — historically have elevated PM2.5 and NO2. NYC Intel shows neighborhood-level data so you can compare directly.
What is PM2.5 and why does it matter?
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns — small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream. Chronic exposure is linked to heart disease, asthma, stroke, and premature death. It is the most health-damaging pollutant in NYC's air.
What causes poor air quality in NYC?
Vehicle exhaust (especially diesel trucks and buses), building boilers, industrial activity, and regional pollution from upwind states all contribute to NYC's air quality. Highway proximity is the strongest local predictor of elevated PM2.5.
Is NYC air quality data public?
Yes. NYC Community Air Survey data is available through the NYC Environment & Health Data Portal and NYC Open Data. NYC Intel aggregates this data to make it searchable by neighborhood or address.
Has NYC air quality improved?
Yes, significantly. PM2.5 levels in NYC have fallen substantially since 2008 due to cleaner diesel standards, the phase-out of heavy heating oils, and reduced industrial emissions. NYC Intel shows historical data alongside current levels so you can see the trend.

Know Your Neighborhood's Full Story

NYC Intel combines air quality data with rat inspections, 311 complaints, HPD violations, and 9 more city datasets — search any address and see everything.

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