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someliskguy t1_j5kru1e wrote

I've carried a pm2.5 meter on the 6 train before-- those stations tend to be very close to the surface and well ventilated-- the pm2.5 was below 10 for the entire trip.

Ventilation makes all the difference in these cases but it's important to figure out WHAT is in the particulates as well. You can boil water in your kitchen and hit a 300+ pm2.5 reading but the steam probably isn't killing you.

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bkind2yourmind OP t1_j5ktj6r wrote

"After taking samples last year at 54 subway and PATH stations, researchers found toxins like iron and carbon get trapped as the trains pass under the river. They are thrown to the walls and since there is no air exchange, they remain in the stations.

The toxins have been linked to serious health problems. including asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease, according to the state Department of Health."

Via https://pix11.com/news/morning/nyc-subway-stations-near-rivers-have-the-worst-air-quality-study-shows/

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