The Deadly Donora Smog of 1948

Overview

• Event Duration: October 27 - October 31, 1948
• Location: Donora, Pennsylvania; nearby Webster
• Cause: Combination of smoke, fog, pollution trapped over town
• Outcome: 20 deaths, hundreds hospitalized
• Long-term Impact: Elevated rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease

Historical Context

• Industries: Steel and zinc industries were major employers
• Geography: Located in a narrow valley, prone to trapping pollution

Details of the Incident

• Initial Effects: Yellow fog disrupted visibility, led to respiratory issues
• Casualties: First death on October 30, followed by 19 more
• Medical Response: Local doctors overwhelmed, used lanterns to navigate
• Weather: Rain on October 31 cleared the smog

Industrial and Legal Response

• Industrial Reaction: Mills sought to deflect blame
• Legal Actions: Residents sued for damages; U.S. Steel and other companies evaded accountability
• Government Investigation: Led by U.S. Public Health Service, investigation inconclusive

Environmental and Health Impact

• Pollution Sources: Emissions from mills, temperature inversion, other pollution sources
• Health Effects: Severe respiratory symptoms, long-term health impacts

Societal and Policy Outcomes

• Public Health: Incident sparked new interest in public health research
• Legislation: Led to the first national air pollution conference (1950), Clean Air Act (1963), creation of EPA (1970)

Ongoing Issues and Reflections

• Continuing Challenges: Pollution remains a health issue
• Policy Concerns: Recent regulatory rollbacks under Trump administration
• Public Awareness: Importance of remembering lessons from Donora

Conclusion

• Key Lesson: Economic interests often conflict with environmental health
• Current Relevance: Need for updated regulations to address new pollution sources

References

• Articles: Devra Davis, Leif Fredrickson, Elizabeth Jacobs
• Museums: Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum
• Legislation: Clean Air Act, EPA policies

Further Reading and Related Topics

• American History
• Environmental Preservation
• Politics and Pollution