Study finds environmental health disparities among older adults in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 3, 2026) — A new study by the University at Albany’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences found that poor and Black older adults in New York state are significantly more likely to live in communities that face higher levels of air pollution, extreme weather events and disaster risk. 

The research, led by PhD student Randy Tangang under the guidance of Professor Shao Lin, examined whether certain groups of adults age 65 and older are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards that could impact their health. Using data from 2014 to 2019, the study analyzed communities across New York, integrating air pollution measures, extreme weather data and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Risk Index. 

“Our findings show stark disparities,” said Tangang. 

Areas with higher proportions of Black older adults were significantly more likely to experience extreme heat, elevated levels of fine particulate matter (tiny air pollution particles known as PM2.5), and multiple extreme weather events. Communities with higher numbers of poor older adults also faced increased exposure to several air pollutants, more frequent extreme weather events and higher overall disaster vulnerability. 

Older adults living alone were more likely to reside in areas with greater disaster vulnerability, though not necessarily higher pollution levels. 

“Environmental hazards do not affect all communities equally,” Tangang said. “Our findings suggest that older adults who are already socially and economically vulnerable may face compounded environmental risks.” 

The researchers used statistical modeling to compare exposures in communities with high concentrations of older adults, older adults living alone, older adults below the poverty line, and Black older adults, against populations in other areas. 

Poor older adults were nearly twice as likely to live in areas with elevated ultrafine particle levels and significantly more likely to experience multiple extreme weather events. Areas with higher percentages of Black older adults showed even stronger associations, including more than four times the likelihood of extreme heat exposure and substantially greater odds of experiencing five to eight extreme weather events. 

The study concludes that environmental health disparities extend into older age and intersect with race and poverty. 

“As climate change intensifies extreme weather and environmental hazards, it's critical that we understand which populations face the greatest risks,” said Lin. “This evidence helps inform policymakers and public health leaders so they can prioritize equitable disaster planning and community protection.” 

The full article can be found in Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances. Partners on this work included UAlbany’s Institute for Social and Health Equity, UAlbany’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UAlbany’s Department of Sociology, and the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.