Pittsburgh still ranks among worst metro areas for air quality despite improving scores

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh and its surrounding counties rank among the 25 worst metro areas for air quality in the American Lung Association’s 2022 State of the Air report.

“When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters,” said Kevin Stewart, the American Lung Association’s director of environmental health.

The annual report grades cities based on ozone, smog and air particle pollution.

“The fine particles are made out of soot or sometimes metal fumes or air toxics, salts — anything goes into the atmosphere and can make these tiny particles,” Steward explained.

Despite improving its scores across the board for the third straight year, Stewart said the Steel City is still failing when it comes to ozone, smog and daily particle pollution.

For the first time ever, though, Pittsburgh received a passing grade for the annual average level of air particles.

But, according to Stewart, “There’s still a lot of work to do.”

He said continued improvement is key toward protecting everyone’s health, explaining that you can help through reducing your carbon footprint.

“People can always take steps such as maintaining their vehicles, make sure they’re not emitting air pollution at high levels, carpooling, using mass transit, finding alternative ways of working, including telecommuting,” Stewart said.

To read the full report, click here.

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