1948 Donora smog

1948 Donora smog

  File:Donora Smog 1948.jpg

Donora, Pennsylvania, during the smog event

The 1948 Donora Smog was a severe air pollution event that occurred in Donora, Pennsylvania, a small industrial town located along the Monongahela River. The smog event lasted from October 27 to October 31, 1948, and resulted in the deaths of 20 people and affected the health of approximately 7,000 residents, which was about half of the town's population at the time.

Background

Donora was home to several large industrial plants, including a zinc works and a steel mill operated by the American Steel and Wire Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel. These plants emitted large quantities of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and metal dust, into the atmosphere.

The Smog Event

In late October 1948, a temperature inversion occurred over the Monongahela River Valley. A temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. As a result, the emissions from the industrial plants accumulated in the valley, creating a thick, yellowish smog.

The smog was so dense that visibility was severely reduced, and residents experienced difficulty breathing, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms. The situation worsened over the next few days, leading to a public health crisis.

Health Impact

The smog event resulted in the deaths of 20 people, many of whom were elderly or had pre-existing respiratory conditions. Thousands more suffered from respiratory problems, nausea, and other health issues. The event highlighted the dangers of air pollution and the need for regulatory measures to protect public health.

Aftermath and Legacy

The 1948 Donora Smog was a pivotal moment in the history of environmental regulation in the United States. It led to increased public awareness of air pollution and its health effects, eventually contributing to the establishment of the Clean Air Act and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1995, the Donora Smog Museum was established to commemorate the event and educate the public about its significance.

Also see

• Clean Air Act (United States)
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Temperature inversion
• Air pollution
• Great Smog of London