Data: South Bronx air quality worsens during first year of congestion pricing
Researchers found across 19 monitors, the overall average of 2.5 particulate matter levels, which primarily consists of soot, dust, smoke, and droplets, increased by 0.22 micrograms by cubic meter.
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A new study has found that the air quality in the South Bronx has worsened during the first year of congestion pricing.
The study was done through a partnership between Columbia University and South Bronx Unite.
"Ideally, the congestion pricing is saying, ‘Oh, maybe use alternative transportation,’ but people are still driving and trying to avoid it," says Alexander De Jesus, a data analyst with Columbia.
Researchers found across 19 monitors, the overall average of 2.5 particulate matter levels, which primarily consists of soot, dust, smoke, and droplets, increased by 0.22 micrograms by cubic meter.
With four monitors near major expressways showing significant increases, the highest among those reaching +1.29 micrograms by cubic meter.
"We're seeing a moderate increase in traffic and therefore a moderate increase in the amount of pollution up in the air," explained De Jesus.
The findings also state that highway adjacent sites are where the health stakes are highest for residents.
Also on Tuesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $20 million investment in congestion pricing mitigation funds to address childhood asthma in the Bronx.
South Bronx Unite board member Mychal Johnson said he hopes Mamdani will allow South Bronx Unite to have a say in the matter.
"As to how that’s spent, what the impact can be, what can we do together to help avert the situation happening and…making our community healthier," said Johnson.
Those involved in the study explained how more green spaces could help capture local air pollution and drop the levels down before people inhale it.
Jada Tulloch, the environmental justice educator with South Bronx Unite, said the partnership with Columbia University and South Bronx Unite will continue, and more work will be carried out provide cleaner air to Bronxites inside their home.
"In addition to the air purifiers that we're going to be getting to distribute through our partnership with the American Lung Association, we are also going to be receiving 50 additional air quality monitors," stated Tilloch.
