Smog

Ground level ozone, known as smog, is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This happens when these pollutants. emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources, chemically react in the presence of sunlight.

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

Cheswick Generating Station coal-fired power plant

Federal Judges Throw Out ‘Gaping Loophole’ in PA’s Coal Pollution Plan

Reid FrazierAugust 28, 2020

Coal plants could lower operating temperatures to ‘evade’ stringent limits on nitrogen oxides that contribute to smog. DEP has two years to come up with a new plan.

EnergyPollution

American Lung Association’s Air Quality Report Claims Climate Change Will Make it Harder to Protect Health

Rachel McDevittApril 21, 2020

While some areas of the state see improvements, Pittsburgh's air quality still gets a failing grade.

Climate ChangeHealth

Clairton Coke Works, near Pittsburgh, is Allegheny County's largest single source of particle pollution. Photo: Reid R. Frazier

What You Need to Know About Air Quality, the U.S. Steel Settlement and Temperature Inversions

Kara HolsoppleJanuary 10, 2020

We discuss the settlement of a class action lawsuit against U.S. Steel and how the Christmas temperature inversion that made Pittsburgh's air smell like "rotten eggs, sewer backup, burning plastic and hospital waste."

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

‘Like a sunburn on your lungs’: How does the climate crisis impact health?

Emily HoldenSeptember 17, 2019

Children, pregnant people and the elderly are the most at risk from extreme weather and heat – but the impact is already felt across every specialty of medicine

Climate ChangeHealth

Dr. Karen Hacker Leaves a Legacy of Success and Criticism at the Allegheny County Health Department

Kara HolsoppleJuly 26, 2019

Dr. Hacker wins praise for her tackling of chronic diseases, but some say her efforts to improve air quality weren't enough.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Five Cities, 12 Pollutants. What a New Study Shows about Health and Dirty Air

Kara HolsoppleDecember 7, 2018

The study looks at the connection between air pollution and emergency room visits for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Hazardous to Your HealthHealthPollution

Repeal of the Clean Power Plan Could Mean More Pollution for PA

Reid FrazierAugust 30, 2018

The Trump administration’s much-anticipated replacement of the Clean Power Plan is unlikely to reduce harmful greenhouse gases by much, and could end up making air quality in parts of Pennsylvania worse.

Climate ChangeEnergyYour Environment Update

Pittsburgh’s Air Quality is Better, But Still Not Great

Jakob LazzaroAugust 17, 2018

Although the city is a far cry from the old adage “hell with the lid off,” Pittsburgh still struggles with pollution.

Pollution

Failing Grades for Pittsburgh’s Air

Kathleen J. DavisApril 20, 2018

The latest Lung Association report gives Allegheny County an ‘F’ across the board for Air pollution.

HealthPollution

Full Episodes

Episode for December 20, 2024

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Episode for December 6, 2024

2024 Election

What Pennsylvania voters say about the environment

Longtime environmental official on Pennsylvania election results: People will need to be ‘as tenacious as the industry’

What can we expect from a Trump administration? Our reporters weigh in.