Higher health risks for communities of color with long commutes: study

NEW YORK, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Researchers at New York University find that there may be disparities in exposure to toxic subway air based on income and race.

Commuters from low-income neighborhoods and particularly Black and Hispanic communities may be at higher risk for health issues related to subway air, according to the study. Researchers say this is because communities of color and those economically disadvantaged tend to live in the outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx and as a result, have longer commutes. 

According to the study, New York City subways have high concentrations of fine particulate matter pollution known as PM2.5. When inhaled for long periods of time, the pollution can cause short-term and long-term health complications like cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neurological disorders.

Researchers say New York City’s central business hubs tend to be in downtown and midtown Manhattan where main...