US Steel Pollution in the Mon Valley The city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region have long been known for its industry, but in recent years, residents and environmental groups have grown increasingly concerned about the elevated levels of benzene pollution coming from, three U.S. Steel plants in the Mon Valley: Irvin Works, Clairton Coke […]
Many Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Chlor-Alkali Plants
Many Workers Exposed to Asbestos at Chlor-Alkali Plants Many chlor-alkali factory workers claim they were exposed to asbestos on the job. In the Olin Corp. chemical plant, workers saw asbestos in certain areas of the plant daily. Some people who worked in the plant as recently as last year say they were exposed to asbestos […]
Former Coal Plant Northwest of Pittsburgh Contaminates Groundwater
Former Coal Plant Northwest of Pittsburgh Contaminates Groundwater Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal, contains hazardous substances such uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, lithium, and mercury. A recent investigation found that coal ash is contaminating groundwater near a decommissioned coal-fired plant in New Castle, Pa.. Exposure to these hazardous substances may cause thyroid, liver, and […]
Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania
Asbestos in the State of Pennsylvania Throughout much of the 20th century, asbestos was a popular building material due to its heat resistance, high-tensile strength, and affordability. As the dangers of asbestos became known, its use declined. The carcinogen was even banned for a short period of time in the late 1980s. However, its widespread […]
Asbestos Testing in Your Home
Asbestos Testing in Your Home Homebuyers frequently inquire about indoor air quality, and for good reason—the majority of Americans spend at least one-third of each day in their homes, so it is important to know if breathing the air could cause potential health issues. Uncertainty exists surrounding things like mold, formaldehyde, dogs, rats, and other […]
Asbestos and Latest EPA Regulations in the United States
Asbestos and Latest EPA Regulations in the United States Is the U.S. Banning Asbestos? Did you know the United States government hasn’t banned the use of asbestos? Asbestos has been linked to one of the most aggressive cancers today. An estimated 90,000 people die from asbestos every year worldwide. So why is asbestos still being […]
Asbestos Found In West Virginia University Area
Asbestos Found In West Virginia University Area According to the U.S. Geological Survey, West Virginia does not have any natural deposits of asbestos. Numerous industries such as coal mining, steel, glass manufacturing, and power plants exposed residents and workers to asbestos until the late 1970s when asbestos was declared a hazardous substance. Recent allegations of […]
Companies Have Been Concealing The Dangers of Asbestos for Decades
Companies Have Been Concealing The Dangers of Asbestos for Decades Asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer continue to be the top causes of occupational sickness and mortality in the United States. Thousands of people who were exposed decades ago are now being diagnosed. The time between exposure to asbestos and illness development […]
Asbestos Containing Products That Don’t Require Warning Labels
Asbestos Containing Products That Don’t Require Warning Labels Asbestos-containing materials are primarily used in construction and insulation, but they may also be found in many types of consumer goods. While intact, asbestos is not a hazard, but if disturbed, an individual could develop mesothelioma or lung cancer if repeatedly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Most […]
Government Roles in Asbestos Regulation
Government Roles in Asbestos Regulation Despite the deadly effects of asbestos use on people and the environment, asbestos has not been banned in the United States. Numerous attempts have been made by government agencies to regulate asbestos use by making it harder to obtain, restricting imports, and regulating handling and removal. Since mining operations stopped […]