During the last year, four air pollution samples taken in the Mon Valley (Clairton, Elizabeth, & West Elizabeth) detected 50 different toxic chemicals, half of which are neurotoxins and/or irritate eyes, nose, throat, and respiration. On November 5, 2005, REACH Mon Valley and Clean Water Action released the official results of their sampling at their free public workshop and health fair at Jefferson Hills Elementary School. For complete sampling results in a PDF file, CLICK HERE.

Seven chemicals were detected at levels above the Environmental Protection Agency (Region 3) Risk-Based Concentrations, a level developed to assist EPA staff in risk assessments that is based on best available health effects studies, or above ambient levels set by other states.

• Acrylonitrile and benzene are known to cause cancer. Acrylonitrile is typically used in the plastics industry, however, Kelly Run Sanitation in Elizabeth is the only known source of this chemical in the Mon Valley. Benzene is emitted from most sources in the Mon Valley, the largest of which is U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works.
• Carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide, two by-products from coke ovens, are respiratory irritants. Carbon disulfide can also cause birth defects, reproductive, and developmental disorders.
• Ethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene are widely used industrial solvents that can cause blood, liver, and kidney disorders.

The results have prompted the Allegheny County Health Dept. to set up an air monitor in the Walker Heights neighborhood of Elizabeth that will test for some of the same chemicals, plus particulate matter and heavy metals that our bucket samples are unable to detect. In addition, ACHD is distributing small, easy-to-use, portable monitors for residents to use at home. ACHD takes care of all maintenance. Interested residents can contact REACH Mon Valley to get involved with this monitoring project.