Hot Sunny Weather is Creating Ground Level Ozone Pollution in Pittsburgh Hot weather is creating larger amounts of pollution in Pittsburgh. During these hot summer days, larger amounts of ground level ozone pollution is present. We have reached the Orange level of the Air Quality Index on four different days this year. In Pittsburgh, the […]
According to a Lawsuit, the EPA Needs to Update Federal Regulations for Coking Facilities
According to a Lawsuit, the EPA Needs Update Federal Regulations for Coking Facilities A collection of environmental advocacy groups recently had a win in federal court regarding the regulation of pollution from coke ovens around the country. They claim the Environmental Protection Agency did not properly regulate the pollution coming from coke ovens, including ones […]
Hand Sanitizer is Now Allowed to Contain Benzene
Hand Sanitizer is Now Allowed to Contain Benzene Since the coronavirus pandemic started, many products including disinfectants, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and hand sanitizers have quickly left store shelves and have been hard to find. With so many people not being able to find these products, companies that do not typically make them have […]
The EPA is Continuing to Roll Back Regulations
The EPA is Continuing to Roll Back Regulations The EPA is rolling back environmental regulations during the current pandemic, which is bothering certain lawmakers. One senator even called what is happening a “pandemic of pollution.” Regulations including fuel efficiency and mercury emissions are now much weaker, and companies can choose if they are able to […]
Methane Emissions are Worse Than Being Reported
Methane Emissions are Worse Than Being Reported Methane emissions are worse than what is being reported. In 2017 alone, natural gas drillers released 1.1 million tons of methane, which is 16 times the amount they disclosed. Fugitive emissions came from 8,000 unconventional gas wells, totaling 543,000 tons of methane added to the atmosphere while 70,150 […]
Pollution Levels are Decreasing because of COVID-19 Quarantine
Pollution Levels are Decreasing because of COVID-19 Quarantine Human activity has caused different areas around the world to experience large levels of pollution. Burning fuel to get from one place to another and to power different industries has contributed significantly to poor air quality. Now that most people are staying home to stop the spread […]
Zantac Recalled Because of Cancer Risk
The heartburn drug Zantac has been found to contain a dangerous carcinogen. People need to stop taking the drug and find an alternative for their own safety. The FDA recently called for Zantac to be removed from store shelves. All drugs containing the main ingredient ranitidine also need to be removed. This was the result of finding that ranitidine […]
Can a Climate Change Bill Improve Pittsburgh Residents’ Lives?
Can a Climate Change Bill Improve Pittsburgh Residents’ Lives? At the House and Energy Committee, the Clean Future Act was proposed. It is the result of 15 climate change hearings held by the committee last year. The bill deals with creating a clean economy by the year 2050 with zero net carbon pollution. It does […]
Crude Oil Refineries are Exposing Nearby Residents to Benzene
Crude Oil Refineries are Exposing Nearby Residents to Benzene The Environmental Protection Agency recently found that 10 refineries across the United States are releasing amounts of benzene that exceeds federal action levels into surrounding areas. Of 114 refineries across the United States, 10 were big violators of pollution regulations. The worst was in eastern Pennsylvania […]
U.S. Steel and Allegheny County Settle Clairton Coke Works Emissions Issues
U.S. Steel and Allegheny County Settle Clairton Coke Works Emissions Issues In December 2018, a fire broke out at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works in the cryogenic gas separation facility, which removes sulfur during coke gas processing. Higher levels of sulfur dioxide were released into the surrounding area, affecting people living in communities nearby. This […]