Let's Clear the Air: Dirty City?
by Matt Stroud
In May, when the American Lung Association (ALA) proclaimed the Pittsburgh region - based on research in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Washington and Fayette counties - "America's Most Polluted City" in its annual "State of the Air" report, there was cause for concern: Hasn't the Steel City moved beyond major pollution concerns? Some say yes, in fact, it has: "[The ALA study is] based on the unusually high readings at a single [location] in the Mon Valley near the Clairton Coke Works called the Liberty Monitor," wrote Harold D. Miller at pittsburghtoday.org, a Web site that discusses health and public safety issues affecting the region.
Guillermo Cole, public information officer at the Allegheny County Health Department, agrees: "The rest of the county has much lower fine - particle pollution levels than the Liberty area, and is either already in compliance with national air - quality standards or much closer to attainment," he says. "Yes, we are concerned, but this is a localized problem and not a regional issue."
So, can we breathe easy? Deborah P. Brown, vice president of community outreach and advocacy for the American Lung Association, says no. "We stand behind the methodology and regional rankings," she says. "The data utilized creates a level playing field throughout the country. Even if the Liberty/Clairton monitor were to be removed, the region would still be on the top-25 list of worst short-term polluters." What do you think about the state of the air? Click here to post a comment and see what other locals have to say.
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It's no surprise to me, but I often find myself on a bicycle, riding behind a PAT bus; riding the Eliza Furnace Trail (next to 376) Or standing on Smithfield Street downtown, where all the busses ride by. I do think it has a lot to do with our public transit (and if you doubt me, stand behind a bus for two seconds... or count the amount of cars with single occupants), but I'm no scientist, just a cycling observer! - EMay, Regent Square