Complicated
Pittsburgh’s air quality is
Both John Graham, in a July 8 op-ed column “Pittsburgh, Still Polluted,” and Joe Duckett, in a July 17 letter “The Region’s Air Quality Has Vastly Improved,” make important arguments regarding air quality in the Pittsburgh region. However, both writers omit critical details in making their case.
First, Mr. Graham argues that Pittsburgh’s air remains stubbornly polluted. He substantiates his position by citing readings from the air pollution monitoring stations throughout Western Pennsylvania. What Mr. Graham fails to recognize is that air quality monitors have historically been located to detect, or catch, violations. That means, of all the places a regulator might place a monitor, they are more likely to put it where the air is dirty than where the air is consistently clean. Because local, state and federal regulators often operate under the constraints of limited public budgets, this approach makes sense. However, the tendency to place monitors in areas likely to violate air quality standards significantly hampers our ability to infer air quality conditions in un-monitored neighborhoods. There aren’t monitors “all over.” They are in particular spots and it is very difficult to draw conclusions about air quality elsewhere.
Second, Mr. Duckett correctly points out that air quality has improved in Allegheny County. However, Mr. Duckett’s stance, that the correct benchmark for gauging air quality is the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, is problematic. The NAAQS are set, using findings from scientific research, to protect human health and welfare.
However, the body of evidence from public health studies suggests that the air pollutants Mr. Duckett refers to do not have a safe level. This means that risks to health from inhalation exist at levels below NAAQS limits. Thus, although it is nice to not repeatedly violate the NAAQS, compliance doesn’t eliminate risk.
In summary, both writers make valid points in their respective commentaries. However, both writers leave out crucial details in their characterizations of air quality and the risks to health associated with it. NICHOLAS Z. MULLER
Squirrel Hill