Pollution from industrial plants, diesel exhaust and wood smoke in Allegheny County still poses a significant threat, making the air we breathe dirty and people in our communities sick. Foul odors outside may indicate a serious pollution problem in your community. If your air smells toxic, then it is possible that you are inhaling toxins.

The American Lung Association has consistently ranked Pittsburgh and its surrounding metro area in the top 10 worst-polluted areas in the U.S for year round particle pollution. In particular, Allegheny County continues to be the worst county in the area for particle matter and ozone pollution. In their most recent 2021 assessment, The American Lung Association declared, "If you live in Allegheny County, the air you breathe may put your health at risk." and gave the county failing "F" grades for particle matter and ozone pollution.

Smell PGH crowdsources smell reports so we all can better track how odors from pollutants travel through the air across the Pittsburgh region. In 2017, we worked with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) around design and daily data sharing for Smell PGH. After further collaboration with ACHD, starting Dec 2021 we are sending to ACHD smell reports in bulk at the end of the day, together with daily aggregate geographic analyses of reports.

Smell PGH was developed by the CMU CREATE Lab with support from the Heinz Endowments, and in collaboration with: ACCAN, PennEnvironment, GASP, Sierra Club, ROCIS, Blue Lens, LLC, PennFuture, Clean Water Action, Clean Air Council.

Please let us know which aspects are working well and which could be improved via the App Feedback Form. We really appreciate your input!