Air pollution decreased, but still causes hundreds of deaths a year in Allegheny County
The report finds up to 1373 people died annually in Allegheny County from 2020 to 2022 from exposures to fine particulate matter.
Health
Pittsburgh public schools reaches milestone for removing lead in drinking water fountains
The district replaced all unfiltered water fountains by installing 1,300 lead-filtering ones. No amount is safe for children’s bodies.
Pa. schools can apply for up to $10M for environmental repairs
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.
EPA consent order requires hazardous waste landfill to submit to an audit. Residents say it’s not enough
Yukon residents wanted the MAX Environmental facility shut down. EPA found nearly two dozen violations, including piles of hazardous waste exposed to the elements.
Federal Mine Safety Regulators Finally Focus on Silica Dust – With Thousands Of Miners Sick And Dying
Addressing a problem first identified 50 years ago, federal regulators filed new rules to limit miners’ exposure to silica dust.
A Tick Researcher’s Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors
One tip: walk in the center of the trail. Ticks like to attach themselves to long grasses. No need to use DEET.
EPA announces first federal restrictions on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The new rules will prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths, thousands of premature deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses.
Paused Ohio chemical recycling plant puts spotlight on Appalachia as ‘prime target’ for the controversial practice
Chemical recycling uses heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel.
Private well sampling in East Palestine gets $2 million boost from federal funding
Columbiana County will sample 250 residential wells using an independent laboratory and local agency staff, not Norfolk Southern contractors.
Hollowed out: How EQT’s expansion in West Virginia set 4 families reeling, while regulators trusted the company to answer their complaints
Pittsburgh gas giant EQT pledges to tackle climate change and flexes political muscle. Communities in its frack path face stark realities.
