Emergency room visits plummet after Shenango Coke Works on Neville Island closed
New study finds resident health improved after Shenango Coke ... 90.5 WESA
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Report: Closure of Pittsburgh Coke Plant Leads to Decreased Air Pollution and Improved Health
The closure of the Shenango Coke Works on Neville Island in the Pittsburgh area in 2016 has resulted in significant improvements in local air quality and public health, according to a new study conducted by researchers at New York University (NYU).
The Impact of the Closure
The researchers at NYU saw the closure of the coke plant as a natural experiment to examine the potential health benefits resulting from reduced air pollution. They found that the closure led to a 90% decrease in sulfur pollution near the plant and an immediate 42% reduction in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease among nearby residents. Over a span of three years, these visits continued to decrease by 61% compared to previous years.
Wuyue Yu, an NYU Ph.D. student and co-author of the study, stated, “For the cardiovascular effects, we see both an immediate decrease and a long-term decrease. So basically, right after the closure, we get improvement, and over time, it just keeps getting better.”
Comparison to Quitting Smoking
The study’s co-author, George Thurston, professor of Environmental Medicine and Population Health at NYU’s School of Medicine, likened the health improvements to quitting smoking. He explained that just like when someone quits smoking and experiences immediate relief from symptoms like coughing and hacking, the closure of the coke plant resulted in immediate improvements in health, with further long-term benefits.
Environmental Impact of Coke Plants
Coke, a key component in steelmaking, is produced by baking coal at high temperatures. This process releases toxic gases and particle pollution, as well as carcinogenic air pollutants like benzene, which can harm the surrounding community. The closure of the Shenango plant, therefore, had a positive impact on local air quality and public health.
Implications for Other Coke Plants
The study’s findings have implications for other coke plants, particularly U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, the largest coke plant in North America. The Clairton plant is responsible for 50% of the county’s stationary particulate matter emissions. James Fabisiak, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, suggested that the Allegheny County Health Department should use this study to re-evaluate its policies regarding similar facilities in the county.
Neil Ruhland, a spokesperson for the Allegheny County Health Department, stated that they are currently reviewing the study’s findings.
Air Pollution and Health
The link between air pollution and health problems is well-established among public health researchers. Ana Rule, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized that unlike other environmental factors that individuals can choose to avoid, such as drinking water from a different source, people cannot choose to not breathe the air. Lucas Harriman, assistant professor at George Mason University, added that there is clear evidence linking air pollution to lung disease, heart disease, brain disease, and even death.
George Thurston highlighted the importance of reducing the burning of coal and other fossil fuels to address both climate change and local air pollution. He stated, “Reducing our dependence on coal and fossil fuels will bring huge health benefits and they’re immediate and they’re local, just as we see in this study. If different localities or people or governments step up and clean their air, they will get these benefits, especially if they’re reducing fossil fuels and especially coal.”
Conclusion
The closure of the Shenango Coke Works in Pittsburgh has resulted in significant improvements in air quality and public health. The study’s findings highlight the importance of addressing air pollution and reducing reliance on coal and fossil fuels to achieve sustainable development goals. By taking action to clean the air, communities can experience immediate and long-term health benefits.
Sources:
- The Allegheny Front
- Environmental Protection Agency
- The Allegheny Front
- State Data
- Environmental Research Health
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 | – 90% drop in sulfur pollution near the plant – 42% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease among nearby residents – 61% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease over three years |
| 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 | – Closure of the coke plant resulted in dramatic decreases in local air pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction of burning coal and fossil fuels can bring huge health benefits and reduce local air pollution |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the closure of a coke plant and the resulting improvements in local air pollution and health outcomes for nearby residents. This directly aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The closure of the coke plant also relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. By reducing air pollution, the closure contributes to improving the environmental impact of cities.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article emphasizes the importance of reducing the burning of coal and fossil fuels to improve air quality and health outcomes. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The closure of the coke plant resulted in a significant decrease in air pollution, leading to a decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease among nearby residents. This demonstrates progress towards Target 3.9.
Target 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
The closure of the coke plant contributed to a reduction in local air pollution, aligning with Target 11.6’s focus on improving air quality in cities.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights the need to reduce the burning of coal and fossil fuels to improve air quality and health outcomes. This supports Target 13.2’s goal of integrating climate change measures into policies and strategies.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article provides several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- 90% drop in sulfur pollution near the plant
- 42% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease among nearby residents
- 61% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease over three years
- Closure of the coke plant resulted in dramatic decreases in local air pollution
- Reduction of burning coal and fossil fuels can bring huge health benefits and reduce local air pollution
These indicators demonstrate the positive impact of the coke plant closure on air quality and health outcomes, supporting the progress towards the identified targets.
4. 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 | – 90% drop in sulfur pollution near the plant – 42% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease among nearby residents – 61% decrease in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease over three years |
| 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 | – Closure of the coke plant resulted in dramatic decreases in local air pollution |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction of burning coal and fossil fuels can bring huge health benefits and reduce local air pollution |
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: wesa.fm
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