The implosion of the Commercial Street Bridge in Allegheny County has sparked air quality concerns, with experts warning about potential exposure to dust and fine particles. “There can be elevated fine particles that are created in events like this, and those fine particles include fine-grain silica that can carry some of the toxic metals,” said Matthew Mehalik, executive director of the Breathe Project. The dust from the implosion could contain silica, metal parts, and lead from the old structure, Mehalik said. He also noted that asbestos is sometimes used in concrete. Residents living nearby are advised to stay indoors, and those who need to go outside should wear a mask. “There are already elevated particles in the region, and it’s a moderate day there, but we’ve got infiltrating wildfire smoke from Canada coming into Pennsylvania,” Mehalik said. PennDOT reported that the dust plume, consisting of concrete and mineral particulate, will cause a short-lived and localized spike in air pollution near the Edgewood/Swissvale–Squirrel Hill Tunnel section of the Parkway East. Officials emphasized that this is not a citywide event. The Breathe Project cautioned that the impact could extend beyond the immediate area.”Particles can be carried larger distances, particularly down valleys, so Nine Mile Run connects with the Mon River right in Swisshelm Park,” Mehalik said. People with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are advised to protect themselves during the implosion and the cleanup process in the days that follow. The Breathe Project also suggested that residents near the implosion consider wearing a mask for several hours or even half a day to reduce exposure.Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 will live stream the demolition when it occurs.
PITTSBURGH —
The implosion of the Commercial Street Bridge in Allegheny County has sparked air quality concerns, with experts warning about potential exposure to dust and fine particles.
“There can be elevated fine particles that are created in events like this, and those fine particles include fine-grain silica that can carry some of the toxic metals,” said Matthew Mehalik, executive director of the Breathe Project.
The dust from the implosion could contain silica, metal parts, and lead from the old structure, Mehalik said. He also noted that asbestos is sometimes used in concrete.
Residents living nearby are advised to stay indoors, and those who need to go outside should wear a mask.
“There are already elevated particles in the region, and it’s a moderate day there, but we’ve got infiltrating wildfire smoke from Canada coming into Pennsylvania,” Mehalik said.
PennDOT reported that the dust plume, consisting of concrete and mineral particulate, will cause a short-lived and localized spike in air pollution near the Edgewood/Swissvale–Squirrel Hill Tunnel section of the Parkway East.
Officials emphasized that this is not a citywide event.
The Breathe Project cautioned that the impact could extend beyond the immediate area.
“Particles can be carried larger distances, particularly down valleys, so Nine Mile Run connects with the Mon River right in Swisshelm Park,” Mehalik said.
People with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are advised to protect themselves during the implosion and the cleanup process in the days that follow.
The Breathe Project also suggested that residents near the implosion consider wearing a mask for several hours or even half a day to reduce exposure.
Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 will live stream the demolition when it occurs.