Environmental Justice Disaster Response-Clairton, PA
- takeactionmonvalle
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Update August 19, 2025:
TAAG, VCAN, and 412 Justice thank everyone who donated and came to help out. TAAG will offer transportation assistance to Clairton residents for medical appointments until mid-September. TAAG would be remiss if we didn't address the fact that the lead organizations have not always been included in ongoing conversations about our work. Meaning that there have been discussions about funding the work moving forward, but TAAG, 412 Justice, and VACN are not always included. Not to mention managing some harm from orgs. who attempted to take the project over.
For us, this is not about credit but about calling attention to these issues to prevent them from recurring. Erasing the work of Black-led organizations is harmful, and we will not be silent about it. This is something that happens way too often in EJ. Please contact TAAG, VACN, or 412 Justice if you have any questions about the rapid response efforts, etc. In addition, Melanie Meade, Upstream EJT Table, and Black Appalachian Network do work in Clairton as well, around EJ issues.
While the accountability piece may be hard for some to hear, it’s a necessary conversation that TAAG will continue to advocate for and will continue the dialogue on our next podcast in September. In closing, TAAG understands that it's our duty to RESIST and speak truth to power. We will continue to do that!
News Story from The Event:
TAAG's Transportation Assistance for Clairton Residents:
Original Blog Post:
Due to the multiple explosions at the US Steel Clairton plant on Monday, August 11, 2025, TAAG, VCAN, and 412 Justice are collaborating to provide rapid response to Clairton residents and community members. Our condolences to the workers who lost their lives and those injured, as well as the community that has had to deal with these fires and the effects of the mill for years. We will be distributing masks, water, fans, and air as well as water filters at the locations listed below. Additionally, we will provide transportation assistance for individuals who need help getting to doctor visits following the explosion. This effort will continue until Sunday, August 17th, at 6:00 p.m., as we are in rapid response mode.
If you are an organization that wants to help, you can drop off the items listed below at our designated locations. Please only drop off what is needed and refrain from providing any extra items. You can also donate directly to TAAG, 412 Justice or VCAN. See below for their websites to get donation information, so we can continue this important work.
VCAN Donations: Valley Clean Air Now | Clairton and the Mon Valley
TAAG Donations: Home | TAAG
412 Justice: Home - 412 JUSTICE
Items Needed (only need the items listed below):
Bottled Water
Masks (specifically N95 Mask)
Air Filters
Water Filters
Small fans (for those who don’t have AC and must stay inside due to the recommendation to stay indoors, while this has been lifted, mill fires occur often in Clairton, etc.).
Distribution Locations (past event):
For Clairton residents only: Please bring proof of residency, such as a piece of mail or an ID.
-Wednesday, August 13, 2025
10-1 Clairton School 501 Waddell Ave, Clairton, PA
- Friday, August 15, 2025
2-6 Dorothy Davis Learning Center, across from Allegheny County rent office 1410 Marion Circle Clairton, PA 15025
Transportation Assistance (ongoing until September 15th):
TAAG can assist 10 families with transportation assistance at a rate of $50 per family for people to get to medical appointments via Uber and Lyft. Proof of residency and or medical appointment will be required for this service. Sign up here: Transportation Assistance for Clairton EJ Disaster Response | TAAG.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that these recommendations come from the sources listed below, along with our collective experience in the community, which exceeds 20 years. While we acknowledge that we are not medical professionals, we understand the value of self-advocacy and community support. Moreover, we recognize that individuals are the experts of their own experiences. Our goal is to educate people and provide immediate resources, not to push our own programming or partner relationships onto others during a crisis. Many of us live in these communities and are directly affected. Please keep this in mind as you review the information listed below.
In Solidarity,
TAAG
Safety Tips:
1. Stay inside and seal all windows and doors.
2. Wear a mask and use gloves.
2. Set HVAC systems to recirculate air (if you have one).
3. Avoid activities that draw in outside air.
4. If you start to feel ill, develop headaches or have shortness of breath, contact your doctor or primary care provider to schedule an appointment or 911 if needed.
Precautionary Measures:
High-risk and sensitive groups include:
· Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses (e.g., asthma, COPD).
· Those with heart disease.
· Children, those with disabilities, and the elderly.
1. Avoid Outdoor Activities: Especially those in high-risk groups, limit outdoor activities during periods of smoke exposure.
2. Use Air Purification: Use air purifiers indoors to reduce indoor pollution levels and enhance air quality.
3. Wear Masks: Wear masks (N95 or similar) when venturing outdoors, especially for sensitive populations.
4. Stay Informed: Recommend residents monitor local air quality reports and health advisories.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Advise individuals experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress to contact healthcare professionals for further evaluation and treatment.
6. If you feel ill or for your own safety, contact your primary care provider (PCP), visit a nearby clinic, or reach out to a healthcare provider or community healthcare worker (if you have one) to schedule a blood test. This test can help assess your overall health after incidents similar to these occur. Additionally, you can contact VCAN to complete their health survey or call 211 for information on local clinics, as there is not one in Clairton.
VCAN Survey Info:
Source: WTAE Channel 4, Pittsburgh
Environmental Health News
Medscape
OLD FLIER EVENT HAS PASSED:
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