New report says central Pa. cities had worst air quality in 2020, calls for emissions cuts

Rachel McDevittOctober 7, 2021

Lancaster had the most unhealthy air days in 2020 in Pennsylvania with 107, while Harrisburg had 97 and Reading had 82.

Health

Allegheny County Health Department issues enforcement order against source of bad smell identified in September

Julia ZenkevichOctober 6, 2021

The stinky smell that hung over Pittsburgh was caused by a broken valve at the Neville Chemical plant. Nearly 1,000 pounds of hazardous air pollutants were released.

HealthPollution

Pittsburgh region saw about two months of unhealthy air days in 2020, study finds

Kiley KoscinskiOctober 5, 2021

Last year, Pittsburgh had 57 days of poor air quality, which is linked to heart and lung problems, cancer and premature death.

HealthPollution

Why It’s Taking Pennsylvania so Long to Regulate Toxic PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water

Kara HolsoppleSeptember 24, 2021

In 2017, DEP started developing regulations for PFAS, a class of "forever" chemicals. It might be done by 2023. PFAS is linked to some types of cancers.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Allegheny County Takes Aim at Air Pollution During Inversions

Reid FrazierSeptember 24, 2021

A new rule calls for industries in the Mon Valley to develop plans to lower air emissions during inversions that trap pollution close to the ground.

HealthPollution

Study Shows Significant Health Benefits From Pa. Joining RGGI, but Some Harms for Neighboring States

Rachel McDevittSeptember 24, 2021

Pennsylvania could avoid billions of dollars in health damages by joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. But its neighbors won't be so lucky.

Climate ChangeEnergyHealth

Mon Valley on Pace for Twice as Many Hydrogen Sulfide Violations as Last Year

Susan Scott PetersonAugust 4, 2021

The Clairton Coke Works is the biggest emitter of H2S in Pennsylvania and is "likely a substantial contributor" to the stinky toxic pollutant in the Mon Valley.

Climate ChangeHealthPollution

Town Hall Calls Attention to Pittsburgh Air Quality Problems

Julia ZenkevichJuly 29, 2021

This is the third meeting of residents who want stricter controls of air pollution that plagues the Mon Valley and other Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

HealthPollution

Lyme Disease and COVID: How to Tell Symptoms Apart in Peak Tick Season

Ximena CondeJuly 17, 2021

Experts are worried people might confuse Lyme disease symptoms — fevers, body aches, chills, headaches — for COVID and miss the window of treatment.

Health

Southwestern PA Network Takes On “Unnecessary” Environmental Risks for Cancer

Julie GrantJuly 17, 2021

Doctors, researchers, activists and cancer survivors hope to prevent cancers linked to environmental pollution.

Environmental JusticeHealthPollution