Closure of Pittsburgh Coal-Processing Plant Tied to Local Health Gains
Closure of Pittsburgh Coal-Processing Plant Tied to Local Health ... NYU Langone Health
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The Closure of Pittsburgh Coal-Processing Plant Leads to Improved Health and Reduced Emissions
The closure in January 2016 of one of Pittsburgh’s biggest coal-processing plants led to immediate and lasting declines in emissions of fossil fuel–related air pollutants. These in turn were linked to near-instant decreases in local heart-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases, a new study shows. The impact of the closure persisted through at least December 2018, the last month for which data were analyzed.
Assessing the Health Effects of the Plant Closure
Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the study was designed to assess the short- and longer-term health effects of the shutdown of the Shenango Coke Works facility, which for more than 50 years produced coke, a coal-derived product needed for steelmaking. Before closing under community pressure, the plant had incurred millions of dollars in government fines for air and water pollution.
The study showed a strong overall statistical association between the closure and measures of improved health, such as reduced visits to the emergency department.
Significant Reductions in Air Pollutants
The study demonstrated that average daily levels of sulfur dioxide, a major toxic chemical component in air pollution and by-product of coke making, fell by 90 percent at government air-monitoring stations near the plant. Arsenic in particulate matter, another coal-combustion by-product that can be inhaled, fell by 66 percent.
Improvements in Cardiovascular Health
Analyses of state health records showed that average weekly visits to the local emergency departments for heart-related problems decreased by 42 percent immediately after the shutdown. Similar downward trends were observed over the long term, with fewer average yearly hospitalizations for heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular events.
Comparison to Other Communities
The researchers found no corresponding drop in air pollution, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations in communities near a still-operating coke plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, or in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. These regions acted as “research controls,” allowing for a comparison of the health impacts of the Shenango plant closure.
Implications for Public Health
The study provides scientific evidence that the closure of the coal-processing coke plant significantly eliminated fossil fuel–related air pollution emissions and improved the air quality and cardiovascular health of nearby residents. The findings highlight the public health benefits of policies implemented to regulate and reduce fossil fuel–related air pollution.
Monitoring Air Quality and Health Impact
The study serves as a reminder to carefully monitor air quality after closing polluting plants and to assess their health impact on nearby residents. It also suggests using more natural experiments in public health research to monitor the health changes resulting from the closure of fossil fuel–powered plants.
Media Inquiries
Contact Information:
- David March
- Phone: 212-404-3528
- david.march@nyulangone.org
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Average daily levels of sulfur dioxide and arsenic in particulate matter can be used as indicators to measure progress towards reducing air pollution (SDG 11.6).
- Average weekly visits to local emergency departments for heart-related problems and average yearly hospitalizations for heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular events can be used as indicators to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses related to air pollution (SDG 3.9).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Average weekly visits to local emergency departments for heart-related problems – Average yearly hospitalizations for heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular events |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Average daily levels of sulfur dioxide – Arsenic in particulate matter |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | N/A |
Note: The article does not explicitly mention indicators for SDG 13.2, but it indirectly supports the need to integrate climate change measures by highlighting the reduction in emissions of fossil fuel-related air pollutants due to the closure of the coal-processing plant.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nyulangone.org
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