Clearing the Air: Heatwave Effects on PM2.5 Concentrations in Harlem NYC

Fine particle pollutants, PM2.5, are tiny airborne solid and liquid particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. They are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular and respiratory illness. Each year, PM2.5 pollution in New York City causes more than 3,000 deaths, 2,000 hospital admissions, and approximately 6,000 emergency department visits (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). Recent literature suggests that PM2.5 concentrations are higher during winter and summer trends in New York City (Sun and Vlahovic, 2025). In order to analyze the impact of extreme weather events such as heatwaves on PM2.5 concentration, data was collected through two methods: First, portable AirBeam monitors were used while walking through four Harlem neighborhoods: Morningside Heights, West Harlem, East Harlem, and Central Harlem, to measure real-time levels of temperature, humidity, and PM2.5. Second, additional data was sourced from WE ACT for Environmental Justice, focusing on temperature and PM2.5 trends across Harlem. This combined approach provided both localized and broader insights into how extreme heat may affect air quality in urban communities.