We know that there has been a significant reduction in air and water pollution in the Upper Ohio Valley compared to just a few decades back. Nevertheless, the air quality in our region is still not good.
According to the American Lung Association’s annual tracking of air pollution in U.S. cities, Environmental Protection Agency data shows the Pittsburgh/New Castle/Weirton metro area has the ninth highest year-round particle pollution in the country.
“Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts,” according to the World Health Organization. “There is emerging evidence that particulate matter impacts other organs and causes other diseases as well.”
Living in a desert or an area that is prone to wildfires can result in particulate pollution. We know that a large amount of it comes from power plants and industry. Generations of families have worked hard in industries that provided support for their families, their communities and everyone who was able to benefit from what they produced.
Officials must work towards solving the problem of the harm done to our health and the health to the planet. This is also important because it will determine the extent to which our communities will crumble if these industries disappear overnight. People who can recall the conditions of our region 50 years ago can see that we have made great strides. Change is possible.
Reports like this one by the ALA reminds us that we need to make more changes. As we diversify and expand our economy, and shift toward taking better care of our environment, we can’t forget to do it in a way that does not sacrifice the economic wellbeing of the people living in it.
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