This year marks the 75th anniversary of the worst air pollution disaster in U.S. history. In an effort to learn more about this significant event, the Pittsburgh Local Section headed to the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum in Donora, Pennsylvania. During the presentation, the chapter members learned how the town of Donora was founded, what life was like in Donora and Webster when over eight thousand people worked at the massive American Steel and Wire Company Donora Works, and most importantly what transpired around Halloween in 1948. The 1948 Donora Smog Disaster and its aftermath had a wide-reaching effect on public health and the environment. Its story even ties in early pioneers of industrial hygiene including Industrial Hygienist Dr. Philip Drinker and Toxicologist Dr. Mary Ochsenhirt Amdur.
The Pittsburgh Local Section would like to thank Mr. Brian Charlton and Dr. Dave Lonich for teaching us about the history of the 1948 Donora Smog Disaster. We would also like to thank Mr. Mark Pawelec for coordinating the event as well as the luncheon at the Early Bird Diner that followed the tour. Finally, we would like to thank Natalie Gaydos, CIH for suggesting this exciting event!
If you would like to see the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum summary of the June 14th event, please click on this link. As part of the 75th anniversary remembrance of the event, the society has a symposium planned for October. If you are interested in volunteering to participate in this symposium, please reach out to Mr. Mark Pawelec at [email protected].
We would like to say a special thank you to all the following members for attending this event:
The Pittsburgh Local Section would like to thank Mr. Brian Charlton and Dr. Dave Lonich for teaching us about the history of the 1948 Donora Smog Disaster. We would also like to thank Mr. Mark Pawelec for coordinating the event as well as the luncheon at the Early Bird Diner that followed the tour. Finally, we would like to thank Natalie Gaydos, CIH for suggesting this exciting event!
If you would like to see the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum summary of the June 14th event, please click on this link. As part of the 75th anniversary remembrance of the event, the society has a symposium planned for October. If you are interested in volunteering to participate in this symposium, please reach out to Mr. Mark Pawelec at [email protected].
We would like to say a special thank you to all the following members for attending this event:
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Here are just a few photos from inside the museum where the presentation was held -- there is so much to see! It would be easy to spend half a day (or more!) just looking through all the memorabilia and artifacts!
Write-up provided by Dane Mitcheson, Pgh. AIHA President-Elect
