3/15 Clean Air: Managing Contaminants in Indoor Spaces and Mitigating Impacts of Air Pollution
The Pittsburgh region, and its residents, have long battled against the infamous 1868 characterization of Pittsburgh as “hell with the lid taken off.” Indeed, the region’s air quality has improved since that time. Yet the region is still challenged, 150 years later, to reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution. In a study released Wednesday, February 21, 2018, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, in conjunction with Physicians for Social Responsibility, characterized the Pittsburgh region as having some of the worst outdoor air in the nation. This assessment is consistent with other findings. Pittsburgh was ranked #8 worst for year-round particle pollution and #17 worst for short-term particle pollution by the American Lung Association in 2017.
Efforts are underway by several organizations to tackle the air pollution problem in the Pittsburgh region. Join the Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge team for a workshop on Thursday, March 15 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am to explore the current state of the region’s air quality, and learn how you and your organization can contribute to regional efforts to study, characterize and reduce the health impacts of air pollution. Cleaner air means healthier residents, a more productive workforce, and cost savings.