Donora Killer Smog

"On Oct. 26, 1948, the small steel town of Donora, Pa., was blanketed by a thick, toxic smog. Within a week, some 20 people had died. Nothing was done to clean up the zinc mill responsible, however, just as little was done in 1952, when a 'killer smog' in London caused at least 2,800 deaths in one week."
— Amanda Paulson, Christian Science Monitor

"Major federal clean air laws became a legacy of this environmental disaster that focused national attention on air pollution. In late October of 1948, a heavy fog blanketed this valley, and as the days passed, the fog became a thick, acrid smog that left about 20 people dead and thousands ill. Not until October 31 did the Donora Zinc Works shut down its furnaces — just hours before rain finally dispersed the smog."
— From the plaque erected by Justin Shawley in Donora, PA

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Donora SmogPhotos

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When Smoke Ran Like WaterWhen Smoke Ran Like Water

Tales of Environmental Deception and the Battle Against Pollution

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