The American Lung Association recently released its 2021 State of the Air report. Allegheny County once again received failing grades in every category, giving it some of the worst air quality in the nation. This means more people will likely suffer health problems or die early.
Some surrounding counties, Westmoreland included, received higher grades in the SOTA report. But people living in these more rural counties aren’t out of the woods yet either.
Many residents live close to industries that emit high levels of pollution, which wasn’t detected by the monitors used in the report. The monitors also report particle pollution as a 24-hour average, which is not detailed enough to reveal peaks in emissions. These peaks can affect the health of residents, especially children, the elderly and those with preexisting conditions.
While the SOTA report gives a bird’s-eye view of air quality, people living close to industries should be aware that their risk of breathing in pollution may be much higher than the report suggests.
Alison L. Steele
Peters
The writer is executive director of Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project.