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

A study led by Professor Masoud Ghandehari reveals potential disparities in exposure to toxic subway air based on income and race. Low-income and minority communities, particularly Black and Hispanic, may face higher health risks due to longer commutes from outer boroughs. The subway system contains high levels of PM2.5, which can cause various health issues when inhaled over time. “World Health Organization guidelines is 15, so we’re talking about 200 and 100 compared to 15, so that is one thing we were alarmed with. Exposure is a function of concentration and duration of time, so those people who live further [from work] have higher exposure.”