Link between Mon Valley air quality and student absences

Understanding the Link Between Air Quality and Student Absenteeism

Experts are increasingly examining the relationship between air quality in the Mon Valley and rising student absenteeism. In Clairton, Pennsylvania, empty desks in classrooms have raised concerns about whether the air outside is affecting students' ability to attend school regularly. A recent study suggests a direct link between air pollution in the area and increased school absences.

Dr. Deborah Gentile, medical director of Community Partners in Asthma Care and the author of the study, highlights the impact of this issue. "Students are missing school and falling behind their classmates," she explains. "This can affect their future opportunities, whether it's pursuing post-secondary education, entering trades, or securing a well-paying job."

The study points to U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works, which is located less than a mile from Clairton’s K-12 school. Gentile’s 2020 research found that one in every five children in the area had developed asthma—three times higher than the national average. Using this data, she now shows how absenteeism spiked after days of high particulate pollution, known as PM2.5.

"A day or two after PM2.5 levels increased, we saw a 21% rise in the risk of children missing school due to asthma," Gentile states.

However, U.S. Steel has challenged the findings, calling the study's claims "spurious" and suggesting the conclusions were predetermined. The company argues that the data used in the study—collected between 2015 and 2018—is outdated. It notes that the company has since shut down four coke batteries and invested tens of millions of dollars in newer pollution controls. These measures, according to U.S. Steel, have significantly reduced emissions and brought the plant into compliance with federal standards.

Despite these claims, the Allegheny County Health Department continues to cite and fine U.S. Steel for sulfur dioxide exceedances. Additionally, other studies suggest that even greater emission reductions could lead to fewer cases of childhood asthma.

Lessons from a Similar Case

Dr. George Thurston, a medical doctor and professor of environmental medicine at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, has studied similar situations. He looked at air pollution and emergency room data in Neville Island, near the Shenango Coke Works, before and after the plant closed.

"In our study, there was a significant drop in pediatric emergency department visits for respiratory issues immediately after the closure," Thurston explains. "In the month following the shutdown on January 6, 2016, the number of asthma-related ER visits dropped by 41% compared to the previous month."

Thurston admits he was surprised by the magnitude of the decline. "I wasn't expecting such a large drop that you could see it visually," he says.

When children are dealing with asthma in emergency rooms, they are not in the classroom. This finding from the NYU study could offer valuable insights for Clairton.

"If the Clairton plant were to reduce its emissions, it's highly probable that there would be health benefits for the surrounding community," Thurston says. "I would say it's almost certain."

Implications for the Future

The connection between air quality and student health raises important questions about public policy and corporate responsibility. While U.S. Steel claims its recent investments have improved conditions, ongoing violations and the results of independent studies suggest that more needs to be done.

For communities like Clairton, where students face higher rates of asthma and absenteeism, addressing air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it's a matter of educational equity and long-term economic opportunity.

As researchers continue to gather data and advocate for change, the lessons from past closures and studies may serve as a blueprint for future action. By reducing emissions and improving air quality, communities could see measurable improvements in both health outcomes and academic performance.