Homer City Power Station Demolished On March 22, 2025, the smokestacks and cooling towers of the Homer City Power Station in Indiana County came crashing down in a planned implosion. The demolition marked the physical end of the coal-fired power plant, which had ceased operations in 2023 due to economic pressures and shifting energy trends. […]
Increasing Levels of Microplastics in Human Brains
Increasing Levels of Microplastics in Human Brains Increasing levels of plastic pollution are causing problems for human beings. The exponential rise in microplastics can be seen as contamination in human brains. Research found a rising trend in micro- and nano-plastics in brain tissue from dozens of postmortems carried out between 1997 and 2024. Particles were […]
U-Haul Fined for Asbestos Exposure Violations
U-Haul Fined for Asbestos Exposure Violations U-Haul is facing a financial penalty after an investigation revealed that mechanics working at its facility were unknowingly exposed to hazardous asbestos-containing materials. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) conducted an in-depth inquiry and subsequently issued a $231,000 fine against the company, citing multiple violations related […]
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2025
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 2025 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal system. Most of the large intestine is made up of the colon, […]
Class Action Settlement Benefits Residents Surrounding U.S. Steel Plant
Class Action Settlement Benefits Residents Surrounding U.S. Steel Plant Residents living near U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Steel Works plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, may soon receive compensation following a class action lawsuit alleging that emissions from the facility created a nuisance and contributed to air pollution. An Allegheny County judge recently granted preliminary approval for the […]
National Cancer Prevention Month 2025
National Cancer Prevention Month 2025 February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Cancer prevention is the action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. There are multiple ways to reduce the risk of getting cancer including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding cancer causing substances, and taking medicines or vaccines that prevent cancer from developing. The […]
Smartwatch Bands Contain High Levels of PFAS Chemicals
Smartwatch Bands Contain High Levels of PFAS Chemicals Smartwatch and fitness tracker bands can contain high levels of PFAS forever chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. A University of Notre Dame Study checked for PFAS, or markers of the substances, in 22 common brands. They were detected in 15 of the brands and […]
Benzene Exposure and Blood Cancers: Understanding the Risks
Benzene Exposure and Blood Cancers: Understanding the Risks Benzene is a highly toxic chemical widely used in industrial processes and found in gasoline, cigarette smoke, and various household products. It is classified as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Among the […]
Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires
Risks of Asbestos Exposure due to Los Angeles Wildfires Thousands of people are under mandatory evacuation as wildfires rampage the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Other people are making the decision to leave their homes and businesses as the fires spread rapidly. A state of emergency was declared for the area. As the flames […]
The Role of Benzene in Steelmaking: Environmental and Health Implications at Clairton Coke Works
The Role of Benzene in Steelmaking: Environmental and Health Implications at Clairton Coke Works Benzene plays a significant role in the steel industry, particularly in facilities where coke, a critical ingredient in steelmaking, is produced. While benzene is a byproduct of the coking process, its presence raises environmental and public health concerns due to its […]