Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh's harmful air quality

I moved from Connecticut to Pittsburgh a little over two years ago. It has become commonplace for me to check the air quality on a daily basis — and constantly clean the soot that accumulates in my apartment and the white vehicle I drive.

I have major concerns for Pittsburgh residents’ health and well-being. Since moving to Allegheny County, I have suffered two inner-ear illnesses that took months for me to recover from. The only other time in my adult life I suffered from an inner-ear illness was soon after celebrating my son’s graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016. I just recently recognized the connection, and now I keep my windows closed at all times. This health hazard must not continue.

Allegheny County must recognize these health hazards and do everything possible to protect the community, including setting stronger, health-based standards to reduce dangerous emissions and requiring fence-line monitoring for harmful air toxics. I strongly support adopting the new coke oven rules so that Allegheny County is better equipped to catch and penalize illegal polluters.

Let us all once again be able to open our windows and take walks outside on beautiful days without the threat of illness.

Desiree Carbone

Edgewood