The Department of Homeland Security will perform a five-day study in some parts of New York  City’s subway system in May to collect data on airborne particles’ behavior.
DHS science and technology directorate will release inert non-toxic tracers or inert gases at several stations and conduct air sampling activities in approximately 55 stations in Manhattan over a window period of four hours following the release of such tracers from May 9 to 13, DHS said Friday.
“The results of this study will provide us with a greater understanding of airflow characteristics, informing the research and development of next generation systems that continue to ensure the safety and security of the general public,†said Donald Bansleben, program manager at DHS S&T directorate.
The department will subject Times Square, Grand Central and Penn Station to daily releases of such tracers that will last for approximately 20 minutes during the week-long study.
“These inert gases are safe for our customers and employees, and the entire test will be performed with no impact on them and no interruption to service,†said Thomas Prendergast, chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.