Environmental Pollutants
Clairton, PA Pollution Risk
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Allegheny County Health Department Air Quality Study Determines Clairton Coke Works Highest Source of Benzene Pollution in the Pittsburgh Area
Those who live or work in the Clairton and Glassport areas of Pittsburgh are at increased risk to develop cancer or other serious illnesses that have been linked to benzene and other air pollution hazards emitted by the Clairton Coke Works facility.
If your family has been affected, please complete the form on this page to explore your legal options with our environmental lawyers.
In March 2009, the Allegheny County Health Department released the final results of a three-year study funded by the Clean Air Fund and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze the levels and sources of potentially hazardous air pollutants within Allegheny County. The research was conducted by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
The study involved testing air pollution from six different locations in the city, including downtown Pittsburgh, residential neighborhoods on Neville Island, South Fayette and Avalon. The study also measured weather conditions, wind speed and direction in order to determine the pollutant levels and their sources.
Four airborne pollutants were found to be present in Pittsburgh area air at higher than acceptable limits, including benzene, an airborne chemical byproduct of the coking industry.
The highest concentrations of benzene were determined to be coming from the Clairton Coke Works. The study’s conclusions identified the Clairton facility as the largest benzene point source in the county.
Health Risks to Future Generations
An investigative study of air quality in over 127,000 schools in the United States was compiled by USA Today. Their extensive database provides air quality risk levels for public, private and Catholic schools and identifies the airborne hazards and the industrial sources of these pollutants.
A number of schools in Allegheny County rank among those with the worst air not only within Pennsylvania, but in the entire U.S., including schools in Clairton, McKees Rocks and Natrona Heights.
To read more about the study and air quality at a particular school, click here.
Cancer and Other Disease Risks Linked to Benzene
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) classifies benzene as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). In addition to an increased risk of developing leukemia, those exposed to the benzene pollution are also at risk to develop a number of serious health problems.
Because benzene can affect the body’s ability to produce normal white blood cells, exposure can lead to anemia, bone marrow disorders, affect the body’s ability to fight infections, and can cause excessive bleeding. Studies have also shown that women of childbearing age have a higher chance of experiencing reproductive health problems, including irregular periods and shrinking of the ovaries.
More information about the health risks related to benzene can be found at the CDC Web site.
Our Lawyers Are Ready to Help
If your health, or the health of a loved one has been adversely impacted by the air pollution in your neighborhood, please contact us for a free review of your possible lawsuit.
Even if you or a family member did not work for US Steel or at the Clairton Coke Works, you have the right to seek compensation for your illness, pain and suffering and for compensation to help defray other financial obligations.
Complete the form on this page and a Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.
see also:
Air Pollution Alert
Clairton Air Pollution | Weitz & LuxenbergClairton residents affected by air pollution: get free lawsuit review
Benzene Exposure
Benzene Pollution Cancer | Weitz & LuxenbergBenzene air pollution from Clairton Coke Works linked to cancer risks
Pollution Risk
Nitrates And Cancer Clairton, PA | Weitz & LuxenbergFree consult for Mon Valley residents injured by nitrates and cancer
