Environmental Pollutants
Clairton, PA
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U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works Air Pollution Problems: Benzene, Other Environmental Contaminates Released into Region’s Air
The lawyers in Weitz & Luxenberg’s environmental litigation unit are currently investigating cases of individuals who have lived or worked in the Clairton, PA region who have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious diseases. Air pollutants from the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works have been linked to the potential cancer cluster in the region.
If you or a loved one has been affected and you would like more information, please complete the form on this page.
The Clairton Coke Works facility, which is owned by U.S. Steel, is the largest coking facility in the United States. The Coke Plant, which operates 12 coke oven batteries, contributes to the high levels of benzene pollution in Allegheny County. National, state and regional air quality studies have all identified the Coke Works as the largest emitter of benzene in the county.
Coking Process and Air Pollution
Coke is produced by processing coal. The coking process takes place when coal is heated in ovens that reach exceptionally high temperatures—in most cases as high as 1100 degrees Celsius. The firing process removes tar, oil and gas byproducts from the coal.
The soot and benzene-laden gases that are emitted during the coking process are released into the environment, causing high levels of air pollutants to plague the regions near the ovens.
Air pollution studies that have been conducted in the county have determined the region’s weather, wind speed and direction have caused airborne pollutants and coking odors to travel several miles away from the coke plant. In December 2009, unusual weather inversions and wind direction caused residents in the South Hills communities of Dormont and Mt. Lebanon to notice air quality problems that were determined to have emanated from the Coke Plant.
Benzene Exposure and Risk of Serious Illness
U.S. health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH) and international agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) have all classified benzene as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).
Long-term exposure to benzene is known to cause a number of blood-related cancers and other chronic diseases including leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, anemia and auto-immune disorders. In addition, benzene exposure has been linked to reproductive health problems in women of childbearing age.
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:
Pittsburgh air quality
Environmental Law Firms Air Quality Cancer | Weitz & Luxenberg Free consultation for Pa. residents with air quality-related cancer
Air Pollution Study
Pollution in Clairton | Weitz & LuxenbergBenzene pollution in Clairton linked to cancer: legal help available.
Pollution Risk
Nitrates And Cancer Clairton, PA | Weitz & LuxenbergFree consult for Mon Valley residents injured by nitrates and cancer
