Quantifying Ambient And Occupational Pollutant Exposure In Urban Street Vendors: Evidence To Inform Electrification Transitions In New York City

Abstract

Food cart vendors in New York City face significant environmental health risks from exposure to extreme heat and air pollution, compounded by their reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators. Despite growing interest in electrification as a cleaner alternative, limited research has explored vendors\u27 experiences with generator use, health concerns, and attitudes toward electrification. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Yale School of Public Health and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), used a mixed-methods approach to assess vendor conditions and perspectives. Data were collected from 31 vendors across four NYC locations through structured interviews (qualitative) and environmental monitoring of air quality, temperature, and noise (quantitative). Quantitative findings revealed elevated heat exposure and high noise levels from generator use, while qualitative results highlighted vendors’ concerns about health risks and their conditional support for electrification, depending on affordability and performance. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating vendor voices into policy, assessing the technical feasibility of technology, and further investigating the health risks from both cart infrastructure and cooking equipment