Letter to the editor: Urge action on air quality

I recently returned to Pittsburgh after being away for two weeks and was shocked that I couldn’t even go outside because of the foul air from the Canadian wildfires. Even inside, I had a headache and sore throat.

As a teacher, I see firsthand how many students suffer with terrible, often untreated asthma. If I was suffering, I can only imagine what these kids endured. This is a public health fiasco far bigger than the East Palestine train derailment. I’m shocked at the lack of urgency here. Maybe it’s crept up on people, but to me, it’s stunning.

I’ve reached out, but so far what I’ve heard, even from envirnomental activists, is “it’s a big problem.” People are suffering. Don’t we solve problems?

If you’re as upset as I am, you can contact:

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP is responsible for overseeing environmental protection and regulation throughout the state. 412-442-4000 or 866-255-5158; www.dep.pa.gov.

• Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), a nonprofit focused on improving air quality around Pittsburgh. 412-924-0604; gasp-pgh.org.

• Allegheny County Health Department, responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring public health. 412-578-8044; www.alleghenycounty.us/healthdepartment.

You can also contact your state representative and urge him or her to take action.

I hope this won’t have to be a summer spent indoors. This is an actionable issue. We need a coordinated effort to investigate what can be done. Or do we let helpless children have their summers and their health ruined?

Beth Pellegrini

Swisshelm Park