Air pollution decreased, but still causes hundreds of deaths a year in Allegheny County Julie GrantMay 24, 2024 The report finds up to 1373 people died annually in Allegheny County from 2020 to 2022 from exposures to fine particulate matter. HealthPollution
Pittsburgh public schools reaches milestone for removing lead in drinking water fountains Jillian ForstadtMay 14, 2024 The district replaced all unfiltered water fountains by installing 1,300 lead-filtering ones. No amount is safe for children’s bodies. HealthWater
A new book takes on the dangers of radioactivity in the oil and gas industry Kara HolsoppleMay 3, 2024 Science journalist Justin Nobel's shocking seven-year investigation looks at how the industry has skirted regulations and endangered public health. EnergyHealthPollutionYour Environment Update
Pa. schools can apply for up to $10M for environmental repairs Jillian ForstadtMay 2, 2024 Schools can address environmental concerns, such as lead, asbestos and mold. In one survey, more than 90% of Pa. schools reported lead in their drinking water. HealthPollutionWater
Federal Mine Safety Regulators Finally Focus on Silica Dust – With Thousands Of Miners Sick And Dying Howard BerkesApril 16, 2024 Addressing a problem first identified 50 years ago, federal regulators filed new rules to limit miners’ exposure to silica dust. EnergyHealth
A Tick Researcher’s Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors Kara HolsoppleApril 12, 2024 One tip: walk in the center of the trail. Ticks like to attach themselves to long grasses. No need to use DEET. HealthRecreationYour Environment Update
EPA announces first federal restrictions on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water Zoë ReadApril 10, 2024 The new rules will prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths, thousands of premature deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses. HealthPollutionWater
Paused Ohio chemical recycling plant puts spotlight on Appalachia as ‘prime target’ for the controversial practice Kristina MarusicMarch 27, 2024 Chemical recycling uses heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel. Environmental JusticeHealthPollutionYour Environment Update
Private well sampling in East Palestine gets $2 million boost from federal funding Abigail BottarMarch 21, 2024 Columbiana County will sample 250 residential wells using an independent laboratory and local agency staff, not Norfolk Southern contractors. East PalestineHealthWater
Hollowed out: How EQT’s expansion in West Virginia set 4 families reeling, while regulators trusted the company to answer their complaints PublicSourceMarch 5, 2024 Pittsburgh gas giant EQT pledges to tackle climate change and flexes political muscle. Communities in its frack path face stark realities. EnergyHealthYour Environment Update
