Pittsburgh again rated "Most Livable" (York, Bethel Park: for sale, rent)

[Katiana]

The American Lung Association supports basic and clinical research through training and “seed” grants for researchers who are at the early stage of their careers. Throughout its history, the American Lung Association has funded talented scientists who have furthered their careers in academia and lung research and have made significant contributions to the fight against lung disease.

As part of its commitment to research, the American Lung Association created the Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network (ACRC), which seeks to conduct large clinical trials that will provide useful information about asthma and benefit patients directly. Click here for more information about the ACRC network.

www.lungusa.org/research

The American Lung Association is not a "front" organization for public transit, as some have suggested. And they stand by their work, according to an article in today's Beaver County Times. www.timesonline.com

Drover The metrics and methodology is more important than the source. And in any case it's not like Forbes went out and measured air quality themselves.

Yes, that is true. It's also true that Forbes' reporters probably don't know how to interpret scientific data. They are not scientists or even science reporters.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

www.lungusa.org/research

The American Lung Association is not a "front" organization for public transit, as some have suggested. And they stand by their work, according to an article in today's Beaver County Times. www.timesonline.com

I didn't say they were a "front" organization for mass transit. I said they have an agenda for increasing mass transit and finding ways to cut particulate matter. If you read the original article from the AOL link, there's a hyperlink straight to the ALA site, and that's where they are suggesting those very things -- using mass transit, cutting electricity useage and driving less as ways to cut particulates.... which isn't a bad thing.

But here's my actual post...

The Lung Association was ranking particulates from auto pollution and ozone. The area in the study is also called Pittsburgh/New Castle -- that's a pretty wide swath. So this isn't a true picture of the area -- it's more a push for mass transit and looking for electric alternatives to coal, and not driving every where. And most of the other areas are also close -- and how can you say who's air is whose? Air moves...

Gee, nothing about a front organization there.

Moderator cut: personal/off topic

[Katiana]

Moderator cut: personal/off topic

I really do not think the ALA is very political. They are mainly interested in lung disease. Of course, decreasing auto use and cutting electricity use would decrease air pollution, which would improve air quality and decrease lung disease. Not that I am helping much in that regard. I did a google search and nearly every city that got a "poor" rating is disputing the study. No surprise there; it's not good PR. And my main point is still that the ALA is probably more credible than some of the groups that dispute their ratings.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

I was not trying to make you sound like an idiot. I apologize if you think I did. It was my interpretation and I take responsibility for it. I really do not think the ALA is very political. They are mainly interested in lung disease. Of course, decreasing auto use and cutting electricity use would decrease air pollution, which would improve air quality and decrease lung disease. Not that I am helping much in that regard. I did a google search and nearly every city that got a "poor" rating is disputing the study. No surprise there; it's not good PR. And my main point is still that the ALA is probably more credible than some of the groups that dispute their ratings.

Accepted... and they are a credible organization... but I don't think this message is ready to be heard....

As I sit here in the growing darkness, my neighbor has most of his house lights on. His kids won't walk to the nearby school -- he drives them every day... in an older car that spews black smoke. He won't walk the 1/4 mile to the grocery store.

And two of his kids have asthma.

Yep -- I don't think people are ready for the ALA message.... if it's going to inconveniece them, they aren't gonna do it...

[Katiana]

Now that is something I agree with 100%!

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

Yes, that is true. It's also true that Forbes' reporters probably don't know how to interpret scientific data. They are not scientists or even science reporters.

The writers don't need to know how to interpret scientific data to publish a report.

But if you're in doubt, go straight to the horses mouth!

Here's Mercer's site:

http://www.mercerhr.com/referencecon...ontent=1173105

The criteria compared for the category of cleanest city were in the health and sanitation area which included medical supplies and services, infectious diseases, sewage, waste disposal, air pollution, etc.

There's a link at the bottom of the page where you can access more detailed information.

And if you want to spend the money and buy the actual report, you can do that too for only $370!

Here's the link for purchasing the report: http://www.imercer.com/default.aspx?...ewRegionId=100

[OutaFL]

"In other words, what people actually want and what this guy thinks that they want (or what he thinks that they SHOULD want) are not the same. Which is why none of the fastest-growing Sunbelt cities were included in the top 10."

Coming from Florida, I can tell this Sunbelt state is USED up. Overpopulated, overpriced. I would never reccommend moving to it. Alot of smart people are leaving Florida, especially now with hurricane season almost here. Problem is, they can't sell their houses since so many others are also. I was very lucky to sell mine and get out of this, the "ultimate" Sunbelt state. Do your reserach and you will see that Arizona has gotten there too.

[Katiana]

Well, I read the article and they ranked Pittsburgh 10th based on all those criteria. It is still possible that they are second worst in air pollution and that other factors brought them up. Mercer is a human resources agency, not a health agency. I have worked in health care for many years and that is why I say a lot of reporters don't know how to interpret health statistics. I have seen a lot of information mangled by the time it gets in the hands of the media.

Mercer Human Resource Consulting is the global leader for trusted HR and related financial advice, products, and services. In our work with clients, we make a positive impact on the world every day. We do this by enhancing the financial and retirement security, health, productivity, and employment relationships of the global workforce.

Do you take your car to an MD when it needs work? Do you go to an HR person when you are sick? Of course you don't, I am just trying to explain this. A health care organization is more qualified to evaluate air quality than a human resource company.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

It is still possible that they are second worst in air pollution and that other factors brought them up.

Exactly! That's THE point!

Someone posting a pollution study doesn't discredit Pittsburgh's overall standing as one of the cleanrer cities in the world.

I'm glad you finally understand!

[Katiana]

Moderator cut: personal/off topic

regarding the lung association study. It is a credible scientific study.