#donora

Great Smog of Donora -

In 1952, a town in Pennsylvania, USA, experienced a bizarre event known as the "Great Smog of Donora." Donora was a small industrial town that was heavily reliant on steel and zinc factories. During a period of five days in October 1952, a thick smog settled over the town, trapping pollutants and causing a severe environmental crisis.

The smog was so dense that it blocked out the sun, plunging the town into darkness during the day. Visibility dropped to a few feet, and the air became toxic due to a deadly combination of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants emitted by the factories.

The smog had a devastating impact on the town's residents. Within the five-day period, it is estimated that at least 20 people died, and thousands more fell ill, experiencing respiratory problems, lung issues, and other health complications. The situation was so dire that hospitals were overwhelmed, and the town's morgue reached its capacity.

One of the worst air pollution disasters in US history began in Donora, PA on 27 October 1948.

Fluorine gas (generated by the zinc smelting plants in the area) became trapped in unusually stagnant air and created a toxic smog that sickened as many as half the town’s 14,000 residents, and killed 20 people. Autopsy results showed fluorine levels in victims as much as 20 times higher than normal.

The zinc plants were not ordered to cease operation until 31 October. Lawsuits were quickly filed against US Steel and American Steel and Wire, who owned the plants. US Steel called the pollution “an act of God” and American Steel refused responsibility, citing it as a “freak of nature.” US Steel settled the lawsuit for $235,000, to be divided by 80 plaintiffs, who, after legal fees, received almost nothing. American Steel settled for $4.6 million, divided among 130 plaintiffs, about 5% of what they had sought.

Gosh, it was so uncomfortable watching Vincent trying to be normal, interacting with Darius about being a doctor and feigning interest his nightclub. It was obvious right away that Darius was a player. Vincent had none of the answers to any of their questions, of course. Catherine did her best to help him which only made it worse. Song “Play Nice” by DONORA