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

EPA-Approved Fracking Chemicals Include PFAS, a ‘Forever Chemical’

Susan PhillipsJuly 14, 2021

The Physicians for Social Responsibility found PFAS was used in 1,200 wells in six states. Although no evidence shows that PFAS was used in Pennsylvania, “we can’t be confident that we know everything."

EnergyHealth

Climate Change to Bring More Smoggy Days

Reid FrazierJuly 2, 2021

More smoggy days will be in our future, thanks to climate change. Cities like Pittsburgh could see the number bad air days double by 2050.

Climate ChangeHazardous to Your HealthHealth

New Study Links Increase in Asthma Hospital Visits to 2018 Fire at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Plant

Kiley KoscinskiJune 29, 2021

The fire knocked out pollution controls for months. Emergency room visits and asthma doctor's visits increased as a result.

Health

New ‘Toxic 10’ List Outlines Worst Industrial Polluters in Allegheny County

Julia ZenkevichJune 16, 2021

The 10 biggest industrial polluters in Allegheny County released more toxic pollution into the air in 2019 than they did in previous years.

HealthPollution

EPA Listens to Pittsburgh Leaders at Roundtable on Lead in Drinking Water 

Julie GrantJune 9, 2021

Local leaders and advocates tell EPA that lead in drinking water is a problem in Allegheny County, especially for children of color.

Environmental JusticeHealthWaterYour Environment Update