Occupations
Chemical Valley, Asbestos, and the Long Shadow of Toxic Exposure
Across the United States, communities built around large chemical manufacturers share a common history. These facilities provided steady work and economic stability for decades, but they also exposed workers to hazardous materials whose effects often did not appear until many years later. West Virginia’s Kanawha Valley, commonly known as Chemical Valley, is one of the…
Read MoreTragic Explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works
An explosion at Clairton Coke Works occurred Monday morning causing significant injuries and two fatalities. According to the latest confirmed reports, two people have died, one person has been rescued from the site, and at least 10 others were injured. Several individuals received treatment at the scene, though the exact number is still being determined.…
Read MoreHomer City Power Station Demolished
On March 22, 2025, the smokestacks and cooling towers of the Homer City Power Station in Indiana County came crashing down in a planned implosion. The demolition marked the physical end of the coal-fired power plant, which had ceased operations in 2023 due to economic pressures and shifting energy trends. While many viewed the event…
Read MoreWestinghouse Electric and Asbestos: A Legacy of Controversy and Litigation
Few names in industrial history are as significant as Westinghouse Electric Company. Established in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1886 by George Westinghouse, the company quickly became a powerhouse in the field of electrical technology. From pioneering the use of alternating current, to its pivotal role in the development of nuclear energy, Westinghouse has left an indelible…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Ongoing Threat of Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace
Asbestos is a well-documented health hazard regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite a significant reduction in its use, asbestos remains dangerous and is in many residential and commercial environments, posing serious health risks. When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, they can release…
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