Being an avid runner, it has always been my priority to make sure I am surrounding myself with safe, clean air while running to ensure that my health is not at risk.

I recently moved to Pittsburgh, excited to run on the beautiful trails and through the city, only to find out that one out of every three days here has poor air quality that is harmful to our population. This means that many of the days I choose to go outside and run, I am putting myself at risk.

This discourages and disturbs me, and it seems that I am not alone. Allegheny County finally starting going after our biggest polluters. In 2018, the county took major steps to crack down on pollution by issuing record fines for lawbreakers.

Unfortunately, the director of the Allegheny County Health Department has announced her resignation, but we can not let this stop progress we have made. Pittsburghers need a clean-air champion in the health department so we can continue on the road to safe, clean air.

Brooke Muntean

Oakland

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