Emsworth, Avalon, Bellvue -- Air quality? (Pittsburgh, Avon: apartment, house, buy)

[tclifton]

Lots of nice older homes in that area, and I like it...but I've heard that there are air quality issues, and I see those fires going on the island all the time at night. Does anybody have any info, either anecdotal or otherwise about the air quality and how it effects the quality of life around there?

[guy2073]

There are alot of studies on the internet about it, personally my step son lived in Avalon, he had extremely bad ashma. He would end up in the hospital almost monthly, when I moved him into my house 8 years ago in the south hills he has not had one episode.

[tyovan4]

I'm aware, due to my work, that there are serious quality of life issues for the residents of those municipalities due to their proximity to the Shenango plant on Neville Island. Northgate School District has concerning asthma rates (double the average). Residents with chronic health conditions have complained about effects on their quality of life. I would not buy a house in these locations, particularly as I have a child.

Here is some information for you: ACHD - Air Quality - Neville Island Area Air Toxics Study

A Ben Avon Council member asked the Board of Health to shut down Shenango due to its effects on public health: http://www.achd.net/board/pubs/minut...oh_minutes.pdf (item 4C)

These groups may also be able to help you seek information: Group Against Smog and Pollution , and https://www.facebook.com/AghCoCAN/timeline

[RogersParkTransplant]

What are the odds Shenango will shut down any time soon? Does anyone have stats on how many workers would be affected?

[tyovan4]

0% chance in my informed opinion.

[RogersParkTransplant]

Originally Posted by tyovan4

0% chance in my informed opinion.

Yeah, I thought so but had to ask after seeing those minutes you posted. The industry vs. environmental health hazards debate is a tough one around here.

[I_Like_Spam]

There have been lawsuits filed, and administrative fines issued against Shenango in the past, but they were deemed later to be in compliance with clean air regs.

There is always going to be a certain amount of air pollution when you are talking about heavy industry- really the question is whether or not to turn up the pressure and force them to shut down sooner rather than later.

The rotten egg smell of coke ovens is a bit nostalgic to me, I was told it was the smell of money being made when I was a kid and it was a lot more prevalent before current pollution regulation.

Maybe 10-15 years ago, my old landlord sent a maintenance man into my apartment with sulfuric acid, and the young man alerted me to the smell, not disturbed in the least.

[MountainDewGuy]

Go there and let your nose be the judge. This would be one of the best areas to live in the region, if not for the pollution. That kills the deal imo.

On the other hand, the entire Pittsburgh region has air quality problems compared to other places in the US, and folks elsewhere think "no way" would I live in Pittsburgh because of that shoddy air quality.

[jea6321]

I grew up in the ben avon area and never had any problems with the air quality. Obviously that is just from a personal experience and not giving any scientific backing, but none of my friends, siblings, or family members ever had any problems or do I remember anyone complaining about it.

The homes in ben avon really are beautiful. You take it for granted as a child, but driving through there now, it reminds me highland park.