What Congestion Pricing and Measles Mean for NYC’s Health
Congestion Pricing: It Matters for Your Health
Manhattan’s congestion pricing is being debated at the federal level. While it makes its way through the courts, its downstream effects on New York City traffic directly and indirectly affect the health of New Yorkers.
There are significant benefits of reducing traffic through congestion pricing, including:
- Fewer traffic-related accidents
- Safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists
- Increased physical activity and overall health through public transit, walking, or biking
- Cleaner air
In other big cities, like London and Stockholm, congestion pricing programs directly reduced air pollution and improved health outcomes.
One potential con is traffic diversion. In 2022, MTA found congestion pricing could lead to a 2.5% increase in truck traffic in the Bronx, specifically on the Cross Bronx Expressway. Increasing pollution even slightly could worsen health disparities.
How Does Traffic Affect Respiratory Health?
Children and adults who live near high-traffic areas are disproportionately exposed to air pollution, putting them at greater risk for respiratory conditions, like asthma.
Traffic air pollution includes a lot of particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (smog), that irritate and inflame lungs, can worsen asthma, and cause other chronic illnesses like heart disease. In New York, long-term exposure to PM2.5 (from traffic and other sources, like buildings and construction) is estimated to cause ~2,000 deaths from lung and heart disease each year — accounting for about 1 out of every 25 deaths citywide.
The impact is especially severe in high-traffic neighborhoods, like parts of the Bronx, where childhood asthma rates are among the highest in the nation.
New York City Asthma Emergency Department Visits (Ages 4 and Under) in 2020 by Community District. (Figure from New York City Environment and Health Data Portal)
Monitoring Changes in Air Pollution Will Be Key
Last week, the New York City DOHMH released a plan to monitor and evaluate changes to air quality following congestion pricing implementation. In fact, baseline data was already collected from monitoring stations across New York City in 2024. The baseline will be compared to air quality data over the next two years to assess the impacts of congestion pricing.
Measles Tragedy in Texas and What That Means for New York
Tragedy struck a Texas family last week when a child died from measles — the first U.S. measles death in a decade. The child was unvaccinated and otherwise healthy. The Texas outbreak is now up to 158 cases, with 20 children hospitalized, many of them with severe breathing issues.
Measles can spread like wildfire — one person can expose an entire room two hours after they’ve left it.
RFK Jr. Shifts Stance on MMR Vaccine
Over the weekend, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of measles vaccination in an op-ed, stating that the "MMR vaccine is crucial to avoiding potentially deadly disease." While there were parts of the op-ed that missed the mark, I was somewhat reassured to see our HHS secretary state so clearly the importance of vaccines as preventable measles cases and tragic outcomes continue to rise across the U.S.
Bottom Line
Policies that govern public health are being debated on the national stage, shining a spotlight on issues facing us in New York. As congestion pricing and the measles outbreaks continue to evolve, tracking the data will be key to understanding their impact. I’ll keep my ears to the ground and break down what it all means for our health.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of congestion pricing and measles outbreaks, it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant. By monitoring the data and staying up-to-date on the latest developments, we can work towards a healthier, safer, and more sustainable New York City.
FAQs
- What is congestion pricing, and how will it affect New York City?
Congestion pricing is a policy that charges fees to drivers who enter certain areas of Manhattan to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. While it may lead to some short-term effects, such as increased traffic diversion, the long-term benefits include reduced air pollution, improved health outcomes, and increased physical activity. - How does measles spread, and what are the risks associated with it?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through the air, surfaces, and other people. The risks associated with measles include severe respiratory illness, hospitalization, and even death. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and protect both individuals and communities. - What are some common misconceptions about the MMR vaccine?
Some common misconceptions about the MMR vaccine include the belief that it causes autism, that it’s not effective, or that it’s unnecessary. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
