Following a factory fire in December 2018, pollution alerts have gone out to communities in Clairton near two US Steel plants near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Allegheny county (where Clairton is located) has some of the worst air quality in the United States. The childhood asthma rate in Clairton is above 22%, more than twice the state average and nearly three times the national average. Pollution is disproportionately affecting young and elderly people, particularly in black communities.

The Allegheny Health Department has said that U.S. Steel has "grossly violated standards" and has fined US Steel $700,000 for continued pollution from its three local factories. Environmental groups also intend to file a lawsuit against US Steel over continuing noncompliance with the federal Clean Air Act. U.S. Steel has also been accused of sending a public warning about the potential impacts of the December 2018 fire too late, after negative health impacts had already surfaced among local residents. Some union workers and local politicians have advocated for keeping the plants open while repairs are made due to high unemployment and poverty rates in the area.

We invited U.S. Steel to respond to allegations regarding pollution and negative health impacts; response provided below.