Air Quality in New York, US

Yesterday AQI: Moderate 😐 (3 of 5)

Tomorrow AQI: Good 😊 (1 of 5)

UV Index: Not available

Pollutant Levels in New York (μg/m³)

• CO: 164.77 (0–12400 µg/m³) – Carbon Monoxide – a colorless gas that limits oxygen delivery in the body. – Produced by incomplete combustion from vehicles, stoves and wildfires. High exposure reduces oxygen transport and can be life-threatening. (Low)
• NO: 0.36 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitric Oxide – reactive gas that contributes to ozone and smog formation. – Short-lived gas from fuel burning. Although unstable, it contributes to ground-level ozone and secondary pollutants. (Low)
• NO2: 4.67 (0–200 µg/m³) – Nitrogen Dioxide – toxic reddish gas, linked to asthma and lung irritation. – Strongly traffic-related pollutant. Long-term exposure is associated with asthma, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular risk. (Low)
• O3: 96.51 (0–180 µg/m³) – Ozone – harmful near the ground, formed when sunlight reacts with traffic and industrial emissions. – Unlike protective ozone in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is harmful. It causes chest pain, coughing and worsens bronchitis. (Moderate)
• SO2: 2.4 (0–250 µg/m³) – Sulfur Dioxide – pungent gas from coal and oil combustion, triggers respiratory issues. – Major contributor to acid rain. Short-term exposure irritates eyes, nose, throat and can trigger asthma attacks. (Low)
• PM2_5: 13.78 (0–55 µg/m³) – Fine Particles (PM2.5) – microscopic dust and smoke that enter deep into the lungs. – Particles smaller than 2.5µm – from smoke, coal burning and vehicle exhaust. They bypass body filters and reach the bloodstream. (Low)
• PM10: 17.64 (0–250 µg/m³) – Coarse Particles (PM10) – larger dust, pollen and ash particles affecting breathing. – Particles up to 10µm – from construction dust, pollen and ash. Aggravates respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. (Low)
• NH3: 0.26 (0–1000 µg/m³) – Ammonia – gas mainly from agriculture and fertilizer use. – Emitted by livestock farming, fertilizers and some industry. Can form fine secondary particles when combined with NOx and SO2. (Low)

About Air Quality in New York

New York City Pollution & Air Quality Highlights

Current Air Quality Snapshot:
As of early September 2025, New York City's air quality is “Good” with an AQI around 41, and PM₂.₅ levels near 3.3 µg/m³, which aligns with WHO's annual guideline.([turn0search0])

Localized Conditions in Lower Manhattan:
In Lower Manhattan, AQI⁺ measures “Moderate” at about 52, with PM₂.₅ approximately 9.7 µg/m³, nearly double the WHO annual guideline.([turn0search2])

Recent Wildfire Smoke Impact (August 2025):
On August 6, 2025, wildfire smoke drifting from northern Canada ranked New York City among the 7th most polluted major cities in the world, pushing air quality into “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” to “Unhealthy” territory.([turn0search3])

Air Quality Advisory (August 2025):
On August 9–10, 2025, New York State health authorities issued an ozone-related Air Quality Health Advisory for the NYC Metro region; officials warned that lingering wildfire smoke could elevate AQI values in some areas.([turn0search9])

Wildfire in New Jersey (April–May 2025):
The Jones Road Fire in Ocean County, New Jersey (April 22–May 12) sent smoke into NYC. Air quality in the city reached “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels by April 23–24, especially on Long Island and in NYC.([turn0search24])

Overview of Long-term Air Quality Trends:
Overall, New York City's PM₂.₅ levels remain in compliance with the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standard (annual average under 9 µg/m³, daily under 35 µg/m³), reflecting long-term improvements.([turn0search14])

Environmental Justice & Historical Smog Events:
NYC has a history of environmental inequities. The severe smog event of November 23–26, 1966 resulted in around 168 estimated fatalities and deeply affected low-income neighborhoods—highlighting how past urban air pollution catastrophes disproportionately affected vulnerable communities.([turn0search25])

Summary:
Currently, New York's air quality is healthy, but the city remains vulnerable to episodic pollution spikes from distant wildfires and local ozone surges. Continued monitoring, rapid public alerts, and understanding the historic and environmental justice context help ensure city residents are better informed and protected.

More US Cities

• Air Quality in Los Angeles
• Air Quality in Chicago