Air Quality monitoring in Yonkers
Southwest Yonkers faces air quality challenges due to a lack of green spaces, which naturally cool and filter the air. Paved surfaces, such as roads and buildings, contribute to higher temperatures, while industrial activity and traffic increase pollution levels.
Between June 2024 and June 2026, the teams collected data from 10 air monitors around Yonkers. Our monitors tracked key pollutants, including:
- Fine particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)
- Nitric oxide (NO)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Ozone (O3)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
What did we find? Local air quality is shaped by heat, fuel combustion and regional pollution
In October 2026 Groundwork completed the two-year study in partnership with the atmospheric scientists at Air Partners. Dr. Scott Hersey of Air Partners conducted analysis of the findings and summarized them at high-level as:
1. Most of Yonkers' air pollution comes from outside the city - think wildfire smoke, regional haze and summer ozone
2. Local sources of air pollution - including vehicle emissions and the wastewater plant flares - add to what's regional
3. Yonkers falls within federal air safety thresholds, but within the city, the burden of poor quality air is unevenly distributed.
Mobile Air Quality Monitors
Want to learn more about the air quality on your street or during your commute? Borrow one of our mobile air quality monitors!
Groundwork Hudson Valley uses AirBeam3 devices, which are compact, easy to use, and measure PM2.5 levels. Residents can use these devices indoors or outdoors with a smartphone to explore air quality in their neighborhood and identify pollution hotspots.
To borrow a monitor, email us at info@groundworkhv.org with the subject: AirBeam Rental.
Findings from our study will be added to this page. For more updates, subscribe to our newsletter or contact us at info@groundworkhv.org.
Why Air Quality Matters
Clean air is vital for healthy communities and ecosystems. Poor air quality can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory problems and heart disease. It also impacts wildlife, vegetation, and the overall environment, creating challenges for daily life and long-term well-being.
Groundwork Hudson Valley leads educational and community-driven efforts to raise awareness about air quality concerns, promote safety, and gather data through local monitoring in Yonkers.
Do You Know Your Air?
Know Your Air
Who is most sensitive to air pollution?
