Subway System Airflow Test Coming

Beginning July 1, the New York City Police Department and the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory will conduct the largest urban airflow study ever with the release of odorless, colorless, harmless gas throughout 21 New York City subway stations.

To better understand the risks posed by airborne contaminants, including chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) weapons as they are dispersed in the atmosphere and in the City's subway system, and in an effort to research and optimize emergency response following an intentional or accidental release of hazardous materials, low concentrations of harmless gases known as perfluorocarbons will be released at street-level locations over three, non-consecutive days in July.

"The NYPD  works for the best but plans for the worst when it comes to potentially catastrophic attacks such as ones employing radiological contaminants or weaponized anthrax," said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly. "This field study with Brookhaven's outstanding expertise will help prepare and safeguard the city's population in the event of an actual attack."

Weather conditions will determine which days are selected for the tests and will be announced to the public a day in advance. The research will be conducted during daylight hours in parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and in Manhattan from 59th Street to the Battery.  

To read the full NYPD press release, go here.

CORRECTION: Please note, we have been advised by Brookhaven National Laboratory that, although the study is taking place, the posters that have been erected in subways and that was used for this original post is not an official poster, nor is it sanctioned by the MTA.