Clear your schedules the evening of July 1, because GASP is teaming up with Repair the World Pittsburgh for an event you won’t want to miss. Together we will be hosting an ozone garden event. What’s an ozone garden? You’ll find out—and even get an opportunity to help us plant one—from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 1 at Sheridan Avenue Orchard located at 315 Sheridan Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. For those who might not be aware: Ground-level ozone is one of the most prevalent types of air pollution in our area. It is a harmful air pollutant because of its effects on people and the environment. Heard of smog? Ground-level ozone is its main component. Fortunately, some plants provide a natural indicator for ground-level ozone. Interested in attending? RSVP here. #ozone #airpollution #ozonegarden

At GASP, we take a three-fold approach to improving air quality: We educate, we advocate, and we do legal watchdog work to ensure that the regulated community—and the agencies that regulate them—are complying with the law. This week, GASP’s legal staff submitted public comments on two air quality plans of note—Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Air Monitoring Plan for 2020, as well as Allegheny County’s proposed revisions to the PM2.5 State Implementation Plan. GASP’s Comments on ACHD Air Quality Monitoring Plan for 2020 GASP’s submitted comments on ACHD’s 2020 Air Monitoring Plan mostly centered on transparency and the need for additional air quality monitoring. We argued that ACHD must: Examine the necessity of additional, permanent sulfur dioxide monitoring in the vicinity of Clairton Coke. “Compared to other sources, US Steel’s Clairton Coke facility “contributes overwhelmingly to SO2 pollution” in Allegheny County’s Mon Valley. Accordingly, ACHD’s Liberty monitor is located to measure the maximum ground concentration. However, this monitor location is based on an annual average of atmospheric conditions. Data revealed by ACHD’s additional SO2 monitoring after the Dec. 24, 2018, fire at Clairton Coke suggests a single site might not be sufficient to monitor for maximum concentration. Not use EPA mismanagement as a valid excuse for delaying its photochemical assessment monitoring station (PAMS) implementation. “On May 31, 2019 – just one day before the deadline – EPA published notice of its intent to extend the PAMS implementation until June 1, 2021. While the EPA provided some attempt at an excuse in the aforementioned notice, gross mismanagement of the PAMS program does not excuse ACHD from fulfilling its requirement to protect the health of local citizens. Critical to understanding the potential harm this delay will cause is that the PAMS program had six objectives, some of which went beyond the science of ozone formation.” Undertake additional efforts to provide the public with air quality data and meaningful interpretations thereof. “The public still faces significant hurdles in getting timely, relevant, understandable information about air quality. While leaving the methodology wide open, the air quality monitoring regulations demand more from ACHD in this regard. There is nothing that would attract the public to black and white tables of numbers. Raw data showing hourly measurements of pollutants in micrograms per cubic meter are off-putting and tend to repulse, rather than attract, the general public; some context, analysis, and explanation is necessary. GASP’s Comments on Allegheny County’s Revisions to its State Implementation Program (SIP) By way of background, in 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency revised the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particle pollution (PM2.5) In 2015, EPA designated Allegheny County as a moderate nonattainment area of the 2012 PM2.5 Standard. As such, Allegheny County must attain the 2012 PM2.5 standard by Dec. 31, 2021. The SIP outlines how the county will achieve that attainment. GASP’s legal staff pointed out that “the Proposed SIP Revision provides no margin for error in its attainment demonstration. Despite this, no new controls or limits on emissions of PM2.5 or its precursors will be imposed in Allegheny County in connection with the SIP revision.” We went on to say, “Because the Proposed SIP Revision predicts that PM2.5 concentrations at the Liberty monitor will only just barely attain the 2012 PM2.5 Standard by the 2021 attainment date, and because no new controls or limits will be imposed to reduce PM2.5 emissions, the contingency measures in the Proposed SIP Revision may need to be invoked. However, it does not appear that they comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.” Additionally, we pointed out, the emissions inventory for the Clairton Plant used in the Proposed SIP Revision’s attainment demonstration should include excess emissions resulting from the Plant’s violations of permit limitations. It is not clear, however, that they do. Not modeling excess emissions from the Clairton Plant would tend to cause the modeled concentrations of PM2.5 at the Liberty monitor to be understated, and would thus result in a false attainment demonstration. Editor’s Note: Check back to the GASP website for updates on both the SIP and air monitoring plans. #PM25 #airpollution #USSteel #PAMS #nonattainment #SIP #particulatematter #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #DEP #ACHD #airquality

Time is running out for residents to submit comments on the Title V permit fee schedule changes proposed in April by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Comments are due June 17. Care about environmental issues and want to ensure your voice is heard, but just not sure what a Title V permit is or what all is changing about DEP’s fee schedule? We get it. And we’re here to help! About those Title V permits… Title V of the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires “Major Sources” of air pollution to obtain operating permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state or local agency that EPA has authorized to issue these permits, in this case, the PA DEP. By way of background: A Major Source of air pollution has the potential to: emit at least 100 tons per year of any air pollutant 10 tons per year of any single hazardous air pollutant or 25 tons per year of any combination of hazardous air pollutants To put it simply, a Title V Operating Permit is like a snapshot that gives a picture of all emissions limits and standards to which a source is subject, as well as all operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements that apply at the time of a permit’s issuance. By including all requirements in one document, these permits help air pollution source operators comply with those regulations. They also help regulators and members of the public enforce them–all with the ultimate goal of reducing air pollution. So, what’s up with the fee schedule? DEP’s existing fee schedule sets the fees that applicants pay to DEP for processing applications for plan approvals for: new sources of air pollution operating permits for existing sources of air pollution administering operating permits The fee schedule also imposes a per-ton fee on emissions of pollutants regulated by Title V sources. Together, these fees fund the operation of DEP’s Air Quality Program, which works to protect public health and Pennsylvania’s environment by administering and enforcing air pollution laws. So, what are the proposed changes? The proposed fee schedule changes would essentially do three things: increase the fees for submitting many types of plan approvals beginning in 2020, with further increases to those fees set for 2026 and 2031; increase Title V and non-Title V operating permit application fees and annual administration fees, also beginning in 2020 with further increases set for 2026 and 2031; and impose fees for certain determinations and assessments that DEP regularly performs for regulated sources, including plant-wide applicability limit determinations, requests for determination, confidential business information determinations, risk assessments, and evaluations of asbestos removal notification forms. Uh, can you help put that in context? Glad to—happy you asked! Here’s what the changes boil down to: The proposed amendments to the fee schedule would increase application fees for plan approvals, operation permits, and the annual administration fees charged to operating permit holders that were based on a schedule set all the way back in the 1990s (and last increased 14 years ago). Another thing to consider: If approved, the proposed amendments would, for the first time, impose fees on regulated sources of air pollution for certain determinations and assessments that DEP regularly performs for them, including: requests for determination risk assessments confidential business information determination Here at GASP, we believe that it is absolutely appropriate for the regulated community to pay for these types of determinations and assessments. Why? Because they ultimately benefit from them, and because preparing all those determinations and assessments burns up a significant portion of the Air Quality Program staff’s time. OK, now that I understand, what should I say? And how do I say it? While GASP submitted formal comments (you can read them here), we put together some sample language for likeminded folks who’d like to echo them: “My name is __________________ and I am writing in support of the PA DEP’s proposed Title V permit fee schedule changes because: The Air Quality Program’s expenses now exceed its revenue, which means the money being generated by the existing fee schedule is not adequate to fund the program. That revenue gap has resulted in a reduction in Air Quality Program staffing, which negatively affects the turnaround time for issuance of plan approvals and operating permits. It also impacts the program’s ability to effectively conduct inspections, respond to complaints, and pursue enforcement actions, when necessary. The potential negative impacts to the environment—and public health—are obvious. Not as obvious are potential impacts to our state economy by slowing or altogether preventing businesses from investing in new facilities and modernizing existing ones. Sincerely, Your Signature" Written comments regarding the proposed amendments will be accepted by the Environmental Quality Board by email through June 17, 2019, addressed to RegComments@pa.gov, and may also be submitted to the board using DEP’s eComment webpage. #TitleVoperatingpermit #airpollution #EnvironmentalQualityBoard #TitleV #emissions #DEP #airquality

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced Tuesday that U.S. Steel has appealed the most recent civil penalty. The $337,670 penalty was issued by ACHD on May 10 for continued emissions problems at the Clairton Coke Works facility for the first quarter of 2019. In the appeal, U.S. Steel alleges—among other things—that ACHD inspectors “failed to conduct proper, fair, and unbiased evaluations.” Further, lawyers for U.S. Steel alleged that “inaccurate data misrepresented the…compliance status and results in an unjustifiable penalty assessment.” In the release, ACHD said it is reviewing the appeal to determine the next course of action and will notify the public as additional information becomes available. GASP is disappointed but not surprised by the appeal. “Again, it looks like U.S. Steel would rather pay to fight the health department and tie things up in court than take responsibility for the air pollution they create and work diligently to reduce their impact on the community,” Executive Director Rachel Filippini said. #airpollution #USSteel #emissions #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday published a notice that it would like to delay the start of the PhotoChemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) by two years. The announcement comes just one day before the requirement was scheduled to go into effect. “This proposed revision would extend the start date from June 1, 2019, to June 1, 2021,” the notice reads. “The proposed revision would give states two additional years to acquire the necessary equipment and expertise needed to successfully make the required PAMS measurements by the start of the 2021 PAMS season.” By way of background, the Clean Air Act Amendments required the EPA to expand rules for the enhanced air quality monitoring of ozone, oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds to obtain more comprehensive and representative data on ozone air pollution. Immediately following the promulgation of those rules, the affected states were to begin adopting and implementing a program to improve ambient air quality monitoring activities, as well as the monitoring of NOx and VOCs. Each State Implementation Plan – known as a SIP – must contain measures to implement the ambient air quality monitoring of those air pollutants. Federal regulations also required states to establish PAMS as part of their SIP monitoring networks in ozone non-attainment areas that are classified as either serious, severe, or extreme. As a result of the delay, ACHD will not begin making PAMS measurements at the Lawrenceville (air quality monitoring site) in 2019 and will work with the EPA to begin measurements on or before the final revised start date for this network. Long-term exposure to ozone is linked to the aggravation of asthma and is likely to be one of many causes of asthma development. Long-term exposures to higher concentrations of ozone may also be linked to permanent lung damage, such as abnormal lung development in children. The reasons behind the PAMS requirement? The lack of attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone nationwide, as well as a need for a more comprehensive air quality database for ozone and its precursors. GASP’s take on the proposed delay of implementing the PAMS rule? This is essentially the equivalent of the EPA showing up the day the assignment was due and asking for a two-year extension. We are dismayed by the delay and late notice. Editor’s Note: More information on PAMS can be found on the EPA website here. #NationalAmbientAirQualityStandard #PAMS #SIP #CleanAirAct #ambientairmonitoring #ACHD #airquality

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board will convene from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 5 and then again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the next day, according to the Federal Register. Suspiciously missing from the notice is that the agenda for the meetings includes a “Discussion of EPA’s Proposed Science and Transparency Rule.” This omission from the notice is troubling. Here’s why: The proposed “Science and Transparency” rule was introduced in April 2018 and was controversial from the outset. An article in The Atlantic warned that adopting this rule “would essentially bar the EPA from consulting most large-scale medical studies when creating rules about air pollution, toxic chemicals, and water contaminants.” The proposal could also force the agency to revoke decades of clean-air protections. SAB has already registered concerns with the rule: In a June 2018 letter to the EPA, the board wrote, “[a]lthough the proposed rule cites several valuable publications that support enhanced transparency, the precise design of the proposed rule appears to have been developed without a public process for soliciting input specifically from the scientific community.” You can read the SAB letter to the EPA and the EPA’s response online here. If you are able to submit testimony for—or at least listen in on—the June 5-6 meetings, it could potentially make a huge difference in the future of clean-air and other environmental regulations. Those interested in finding out more may view the webcast or call in to listen to the meeting can do so online or via teleconference. Those interested in submitting testimony should follow the guidance provided by the SAB for “Public Involvement in Advisory Activities.” #cleanairregulations #SAB #ScienceandTransparencyRule

Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger this week announced that she will be hosting a “Community Listening Session on Air Quality” at 6 p.m. June 26—and you’re invited. The event will be held at Repair the World Pittsburgh, which is located at 6022 Broad Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Residents are invited to speak at the event, which will give them the opportunity to give input and share their personal experiences with Pittsburgh’s air quality. GASP will be there—and we hope affected residents are, too. Signing up to make remarks at the listening session is simple. Just fill out this online form. Strassburger represents District 8, which is composed of several East Pittsburgh communities, including Oakland, Point Breeze, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill. #airquality #ErikaStrassberger

Fellow Breathers, Air pollution has serious health consequences. Given Allegheny County’s persistent air quality problems, and most recent emissions issues related to the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works fire and its aftermath, local environmental organizations are beefing up efforts to educate folks about what exactly is in the air we breathe, and how air pollution can affect your body. Clean Air Council, in conjunction with GASP and other environmental organizations, is hosting a series of workshops about the topic—and you’re invited. Here’s what you need to know if you want to go: WHEN? 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 4 WHERE? Community Economic Development Corporation at 363 Halcomb Ave, Clairton, PA 15025 WHAT? Attendees will have an opportunity to rotate through three air quality-centric presentations from: Dr. Deborah Gentile, who will discuss health issues related to air pollution GASP, which will provide an Air Quality 101 lecture and Air monitoring experts, who will present information about how the technology works and what all is being detected in local air WHO’S INVITED? The event is open to the public. HOW DO YOU REGISTER? Those interested in registering may do so online here. COST? Free Editor’s Note: For more information, check out the Facebook event page for the June 4 event here. #airpollution #USSteel #airmonitoring #AirQuality101 #CleanAirCouncil #ClairtonCokeWorks #Clairton #airquality #DrGentile

Typical raw coke oven gas is largely hydrogen (52 percent-59 percent) and methane (26 percent-33 percent) but among other minor constituents includes 0 percent-1 percent benzene and 0.4 percent-1.2 percent hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-all percent by volume. The raw coke gas stripped of much of the sulfur content is normally burned as fuel for heating in the Clairton batteries, as well as the other U.S. Steel Mon Valley plants. Upon combustion, the remaining hydrogen sulfide component of raw coke gas largely converts to sulfur dioxide (SO2). The benzene constituent normally also passes through pollution treatment. Benzene will diminish in a combustion process as well. Raw coke oven gas containing H2S, benzene and particulates can also leak directly from the battery ovens during coking operations (baking of the coal). Before or after the facility fire, oven leakage of raw coke gas is a pollution issue demanding strong surveillance and remediation. As the days and weeks passed, air pollution control improvements and air quality monitoring included the following: Natural gas which contains fewer pollutants than coke oven gas was blended into the raw coke gas/fuel stream. Flaring (burning) of the untreated coke gas took place at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works flares. All the plants— Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson—have connected piping to deliver typically stripped coke oven gas/fuel from the coking process. Flaring burned off many of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including some toxics and diluted the combusted coke oven gas emissions with ambient air as the hot emissions plume expanded into the atmosphere. Coking times were extended, which decreased the quantity of raw coke gas created per hour. Two new special purpose air quality monitors measuring SO2, (in Clairton at the Clairton Educational Center and in West Mifflin at the New Emerson Elementary School) were added to existing air quality monitors located at Lincoln, Glassport, North Braddock, Clairton and Liberty. The new Clairton SO2 monitor is a bit upwind of the Clairton Plant if the wind is blowing from a typical southwest direction. According to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), the West Mifflin air quality monitor, sited approximately north-north east of the Irvin Works may record emissions flow along the Mon River from the Irvin Works. These new monitors are noted by ACHD to be temporary. Monitor Locations Check out the image below to orient yourself: The Clairton Coke facility is roughly across the river from the Lincoln monitor. Irving plant is across the river from Glassport. The North Braddock monitor is a short distance from Edgar Thomson which would be slightly above this graphic frame and it measures SO2 and particulates. The Liberty air quality monitor is typically in a downwind direction of the Clairton facility. There is a recent privately operated toxics monitor at the ACHD Glassport monitor site. Exceedances of Ambient Standards During the Fire and Repair Period By way of background: SO2 and fine particulates are criteria pollutants known to have significant adverse health effects. Criteria pollutants have health-based concentration limits. The 24–hour average PM2.5 limit and the one-hour sulfur dioxide limit are the air quality standards that have been reported as above or below the standard in Allegheny County Alerts, throughout the repair period. A summary of ACHD activities and public information provided during the repair period can be found here. Following are some key takeaways: The 1-hour SO2 standard is 0.075 parts per million (ppm) or 75 parts per billion (ppb). Sulfur dioxide 1-hour exceedances of the federal standard occurred on six days at the Liberty Monitor from the date of the fire through April 3. Some days had more than one SO2 1-hour exceedance. At the Liberty monitor there was a total of eight one-hour SO2 exceedances. Sulfur dioxide 1-hour exceedances were noted on two days at the North Braddock Monitor during that time period. The 24–hour average fine particulate standard is 35 micrograms per cubic meter. There were three exceedances between the date of the fire and April 3 at the Liberty monitor. There were no SO2 or PM2.5 exceedances at the other Mon Valley monitors during the fire and repair period. Note that all data is tentative until quality is assured. Another perspective on SO2 emissions is the direct facility limits, not at the ambient air quality monitor, but in the air permit issued by the Allegheny County Health Department, (ACHD). There were calculated exceedances of the H2S permit limits of 35 grains/100dscf (grains per hundred dry standard cubic feet) for Clairton Coke Works, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson. For example the H 2S average daily grain loading four days before the fire was 6.08 grains/dscf and 36 days after the fire was 161.97 grains/dscf at batteries 19, 20, B and C (data noted from ACHD Enforcement Order 190202). But What About Other Coke Gas Pollutants Like Benzene, Hydrogen Sulfide and Other Toxics? There has been little mention of two other types of air pollution of concern to most people in the Mon Valley: benzene and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). While neither is a criteria pollutant with a federal health–based standard, benzene and H2S are products of the coking process. They matter in different ways. Benzene is one of the most toxic constituents in coke gas and a known human carcinogen. Hydrogen sulfide has a window–slamming rotten egg odor noticeable at low concentrations—ruining many restful nights and morning walks. Since there are no federal ambient air quality standards for benzene, many states and other agencies have done or collected research to suggest health risk concentration limits for benzene and other toxics. The World Health Organization has noted that “no safe level of exposure can be recommended (for benzene).” More About Benzene Chart 1 is the latest ACHD benzene chart from the Liberty Monitor where a 24-hours charcoal tube sample is taken every 3 days.1 Chart 1 (below) is the latest ACHD benzene chart from the Liberty Monitor, where a 24-hours charcoal tube sample is taken every three days: (Credit: ACHD) The bulk of charcoal tube sampling taken through the repair period in 2019 is not yet available but several days of data and a spike on 12/28 just after the fire can be observed. Note that the Liberty benzene data before the fire has many spikes. One data point is over 10 ppb which would be above the ATSDR suggested (one– 14 day) limit. According to the Allegheny County Air Quality Annual Report for 2017, 1997-2017 Trends, the average benzene concentrations at the Liberty Monitor are as listed in Table 2. Averaging only the available 2018 every third-day charcoal tube measurements gives a preliminary sense of the average benzene concentration for 2018. More About Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen sulfide has a Pennsylvania 24-hour standard of 0.005 parts per million (5 parts per billion). This air quality standard has frequently been exceeded at the Liberty monitor—on average about 53 times for years 2013-2017. That pace was slightly less with 12 violations through the fire and repair period ending on April 3, 2019, with some exceptionally high 24-hour averages as seen below. Other Toxics and More The Liberty charcoal tube samples described above for benzene also included analysis for toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes and naphthalene. Naphthalene is listed by EPA as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Toluene, mixed xylenes and ethylbenzene have not been classified by EPA for carcinogenicity. Measurements at Liberty for the 24-hour charcoal tube samples in 2018 had no measurement for toluene, ethylbenzene or mixed xylenes above 3ppb and many measurements at zero. Naphthalene max day was .37 ppb with most measurements at zero. See ATSDR suggested limits below. Glassport Monitor First Days of Fire and Repair (A different story) The privately operated UV DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) monitor active at the ACHD Glassport monitoring site is a helpful temporary addition to the ACHD monitoring network since the 24-7 flaring was taking place just across the Monongahela River. Among others, sulfur dioxide, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, p–xylene and naphthalene concentrations were tracked. Following are several charts taken from that data at the time of the fire and several days after included in a presentation at the ACHD’s Criteria Pollutant Subcommittee meeting on May 3, 2019. ACHD noted that “The operator presented this as final ‘adjusted’ data.” The Clairton Coke facility fire and aftermath pollution brought many residents to community meetings to express health concerns and longstanding frustration with U.S. Steel facilities’ air pollution and regulatory noncompliance. The Clairton facility was repaired and able to operate pollution control equipment earlier than expected on April 4. However, there remains enforcement actions, appeals, and several legal actions including the following: 1. Penn Environment, Inc. and Clean Air Council Civil Complaint against U.S. Steel Corporation can be found here: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5981009-Clean-Air-Act-Civil-Complaint.html 2. Environmental Integrity Project, the Breathe Project and Clean Air Council, Notice of Intent to Sue United States Steel Corporation can be found here: http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019.05.02-U.S.-Steel-CERCLA-NOI-FINAL.pdf 3. Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, GASP (not GASP in Allegheny County), Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Sierra Club, filed a Complaint For Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against Andrew Wheeler, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in his official capacity, can be found here: https://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/01_Enviro_Complaint_04-15-2019.pdf 4. Details concerning U.S. Steel and active legal actions brought before the ACHD Hearing Officer can be found at ACHD Legal Docket: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Legal/Docket.aspx What’s Next Hopefully, the fire and its consequences were a wake-up call for United States Steel to implement a strong plan to achieve ongoing compliance with air quality standards at its Mon Valley facilities. Even before the fire new and more demanding coke oven regulations were in discussion at ACHD. An answer to the noncompliance and community pollution complaints may be at least partially the new U.S. Steel upgrade proposal announced May 2, 2019. Procedurally, the plan will require permits, which will accompany public comment periods. United States Steel, ACHD, and the public must resolutely determine that air quality compliance will be achieved. It is way past time for our region to have the healthy air quality that is required and that we deserve. Stay tuned for new data during the repair period. #benzene #airpollution #USSteel #LibertyMonitor #airtoxics #IrvinWorks #ClairtonCokeWorks #airquality

Bicyclists rejoice: Friday is National Bike to Work Day! Here at GASP, we’re a fan of initiatives like this – ones that ultimately help improve the area’s air quality. Because here’s the thing about biking to work: Experts indicate that if a person who usually drives an SUV to work each day was able to cycle there instead, it could save almost 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. So, whether you’re a seasoned city cyclist or someone who is trying to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint by foregoing traditional transportation, we want to ensure you’re safe and prepared for the day’s commute. Here are some things to consider before you pedal-push their way to work Friday: Being a responsible bicyclist (or a motorist who encounters people riding their bikes on local through ways) means understanding the law. Before heading out on two-wheels, make sure you familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s traffic laws regarding cyclists. Limit your exposure to air pollution, if and when you are able. How? Consider taking side streets where exhaust emissions aren’t as prevalent. If there is wiggle room when it comes to your arrival and departure time, avoiding rush hour traffic can help cut down on your exposure to air toxics. Fewer cars on the road = less emissions you can breathe in. Please, before you embark on your commute via bike, make sure you do your due diligence: If your bike has been in your garage all winter, it’s so important to make sure it’s in working order. Take that bad boy out for a test ride before heading out for your commute to work. Tires full of air? Brakes braking? Chains and bell in working order? You know, the important stuff. Need to fix your bike on the go? No worries – our friends at Bike Pittsburgh put together this resource. What are you wearing? No, seriously. We’re asking because we want to make sure you avoid loose pant legs and other wardrobe choices that could be less than prudent for your commute. Please know we’d totally remiss if we didn’t say, “Make sure to wear something reflective so folks can SEE you.” Also: It should go without saying that your outfit won’t be complete without a helmet (stats show they reduce bike injuries by 85 percent). Carefully consider your route as well as the time it will take to commute via bike. If it’s your first time pedaling your way to the office, check out this great piece. Know that you have an entire community of local cycling enthusiasts to tap for more information, tips, etc. Our friends at Bike Pittsburgh have all the info you need! From all of you to all of us: Have a fantastic Bike to Work Day! #BikePGH #airpollution #emissions #NationalBiketoWorkDay #airquality #carbondioxide