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City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly staff

The Philadelphia area is no stranger to pollutants from oil refineries and 

. And if you live along the Delaware River, you’re 

more likely to be exposed to hazardous waste sites

. That’s true for Port Richmond, where a large, toxic black mound called the 

 after over two decades. But what exactly is this site, and what makes it so dangerous?

The Franklin Slag pile is an example of a “Superfund” site. Enacted by Congress in 1980, the 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

 (or Superfund) allows the EPA to decontaminate sites harmed by industries that released hazardous waste, substances, and materials. It holds violators accountable by requiring them either to clean up the site or to reimburse the government to do so.

To be designated a Superfund site, the process begins with a notice of a hazardous release into the environment, followed by an evaluation process. Qualified sites are then placed on the National Priorities List, which collects contaminated sites that pose the most risk to the public and the environment. Once listed, more evaluations are done to determine how these sites can be best remediated.

Aside from the Franklin Slag Pile, the other Superfund site is the 

There were previously more Superfund sites in Philadelphia and the rest of Pennsylvania, many of which have now been cleaned up and 

. The redevelopment can come in the form of 

, including green space, military use, or public service.

However, in neighboring Camden County, New Jersey, nine Superfund sites pose an environmental risk for other communities in the larger Philadelphia region.

You can search Superfund sites by location through the 

. There you can find Superfunds that are currently active, proposed, or have since been removed.

Contact your legislators to voice concerns. Use these tools to find your:

 to keep residents up to date on site activities and inform the EPA’s decision-making.

For Port Richmond residents and concerned constituents, the EPA is hosting a 

 on April 29. The agency will also be present at a future Port Richmond Neighborhood Action meeting. 

 with reporter Jordan Gass-Pooré to learn more about plans to remediate the Franklin Slag Pile and why climate change is making Philly’s toxic sites more dangerous.

The Philadelphia region is home to several hazardous waste sites. Here’s how you can advocate for your community. 

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

 analyzing how public spaces such as parks and libraries can be critical infrastructure in the face of climate change. Philly, one of RCC’s pilot cities, was challenged to consider new ways of thinking about public space, and in this report it was recognized for the innovative ways our communities are becoming climate resilient. Here’s how Philly’s leading the charge.

 focused on four areas in West Fairmount Park that were mowed but underutilized. This used up tax dollars and fossil fuels. Through the intentional rewilding of the lawns at Ohio House, George Hill, MLK Drive North, and MLK Drive South, the meadows now soak up excess rainwater and attract pollinators.

Speaking of West Fairmount Park, the creation of 

 turned public spaces into “open-air living rooms.” Park improvements included safer pedestrian access to West Fairmount Park, 

 for informal gatherings, and rain gardens.

 was hailed for its public engagement process and emphasis on community stewardship in increasing Philadelphia’s tree canopy. Implementation of the plan will stretch over a 30-year period, with the 

 legislation and zoning, improving communication with the community, and maintaining trees.

, FDR Park is slated for improvements centered around environmental sustainability and community connection. Reimagining the Civic Commons cited the 

, a new playground with native landscaping, and an upgraded welcome center as wins.

🚣 Reclaiming the ‘Garden’ in Bartram’s Garden

 is a place of recreation, education, and nutrition for Kingsessing and other Southwest Philly neighborhoods. Through its free aquatic activities in the Schuylkill River, raised home garden beds, and eventual access to the Schuylkill River Trail, its projects are connecting residents to the land and each other.

Do you agree with the report? What examples of climate resilience are you witnessing in your neighborhood?

Philly's Climate Resilience

🌳 Let us know!

Philly’s innovative design practices and community-first approach are shaping the city’s environmentally sustainable future. 

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

Philly’s home to all sorts of animal life. Whether they’re native or nonnative, domesticated or wild, there are plenty of furry creatures roaming around. But not all may be friendly or healthy. If you spot an animal where it shouldn’t be, or if you or the animal is in danger, here’s what to do.

The city is home to animals such as coyotes, foxes, and deer who sometimes may wander far from their usual homes in forested areas. And Philly’s has had its fair share of domesticated animals on the run over the years, 

So if you find a farm or wild animal on the loose, or some other form of an animal emergency, call 

 (ACCT Philly) at 267-385-3800. Do not contact 911 unless an animal is acting aggressively toward people or a person is injured.

If you find someone’s lost pet, you can file a report at 

 and post on local social media before dropping it off at a shelter. 

Always assess the situation first before intervening to determine if an animal is truly injured, and whether it may require transport.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

 that nurses animals back to health before returning them to their natural habitats. The clinic cares for the following animals:

You can report an injured animal to its 24/7 hotline at 215-482-7300 or text 215-853-6271. Do not move or treat an animal without guidance from a professional.

 serves Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. You can contact the field hospital at 267-416-9453 before bringing in an animal, and its website has a detailed FAQ with guidance on interacting with creatures such as raccoons, opossums, and rabbits.

If you find injured, dangerous, or diseased animals like deer or raccoons that may be demonstrating aggression, foaming at the mouth, or suffering from visible tumors, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 610-926-3136.

If you are bit, scratched, or had some other exposure to a wild animal, you should contact ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800. They will capture and test the animal for rabies. Seek immediate medical attention.

All bites from stray, domesticated, and wild animals should be reported to the Department of Public Health at 215-685-6748. The city has additional 

 will remove any roadkill on Philly streets, but property owners are responsible for getting rid of dead animals on their properties, including sidewalks. It is not advised

If you’re removing an animal carcass from your property, bag and seal it and dispose of it in the trash or take it to ACCT Philly. If you're homebound, ACCT may remove it for a fee.

You may live in a city, but Philly’s full of wildlife. Here’s what to do if you run into some.


What To Do When You Find a Wild Animal in Philly

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

Spring and summer are great times of the year to enjoy 

, but hikers should be aware of the risk of getting tick bites.

Ticks are small, bloodsucking parasites in the same animal family as spiders. They can attach themselves to a host to consume blood, possibly transferring diseases in the process.

, but the most commonly found ticks in Philly are the blacklegged, lone star, and American dog ticks.

Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, are known to spread 

, which is the most common. American dog ticks can spread 

, a potentially fatal bacterial disease that causes a rash. Lone star ticks can also carry this and 

have been linked to a disease that causes a meat allergy

, but more research is needed on the connection.

Tick bites aren’t typically itchy or painful, but the bite site can 

. If a tick is still attached, you may see a black speck the size of a poppy or apple seed, depending what stage of life the tick is in. A bull's-eye-like rash may be a sign of Lyme disease.

Ticks like to hang out in shady, moist environments. If you’re hitting the trails or any grassy area:

Wear clothing that covers any exposed skin.

Walk along the center of trails and avoid overgrown areas.

Toss your clothes into the dryer for about 10 minutes to kill any potential ticks.

Scan your body for potential ticks, especially between the legs, under the arms, in the belly button, and your hair.

pulling as closely from the point of contact

 as possible, preferably with tweezers. Clean the infected area with rubbing alcohol or soap. Don’t crush it with your bare fingers, and properly dispose of it by placing it in a sealed container, wrapping it in tape, or putting it in alcohol. Monitor the area for signs of an infection, like a rash or blisters. If you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention.

Enjoy the outdoors safely by following these tips to protect yourself from these pesky parasites. 



How To Prevent Tick Bites

How To Protect Yourself From Ticks in Philadelphia

January is National Radon Action Month, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages residents to test their homes for the gas. In Pennsylvania nearly 40% of homes have radon levels above the EPA’s guidelines. But what exactly is radon and why does it matter?

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas. According to the World Health Organization, radon is produced by the 

, which is found in rocks and soils. When radon escapes into the air more radon particles are produced as it decays further, contaminating airways. It can enter inside buildings through cracks in the foundation. While radon concerns are primarily airborne, it has been found in 

 as well. Pennsylvania’s geology, climate, and natural gas wells contribute to radon’s presence in the state. Research has also 

Because of the gas’ odorless, tasteless nature, it may be difficult to identify whether your home or building is contaminated with radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, according to the 

. If you smoke and are also regularly exposed to radon, that puts you at even greater risk of lung cancer. About 21,000 people who were exposed to radon die from lung cancer each year, including 2,900 who were nonsmokers. Radon levels measured above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) are considered cause for concern.

 identifies which Pennsylvania counties have the highest potential for radon risk. Philadelphia is designated as Zone 3, the lowest risk level, while surrounding Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties are Zone 2. The EPA still emphasizes individual testing of buildings for radon risk, no matter the zone designation.

 to check the reporting of radon levels by ZIP code. For example although the average level of radon inside basements in the 19134 ZIP code (Kensington, Port Richmond) was recorded at 1.9 pCi/L, the max result was 112.4 pCi/L, way above guidelines.

There are several measures you can take to protect yourself from radon:

 from the American Lung Association, or purchase a test kit from a hardware or home improvement store.

Find certified testers through the state’s 

If high levels are confirmed in your building, hire a professional to seal any cracks and install a radon mitigation system.

Join the Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces' next 

 cohort. Although it primarily targets Southwestern Pennsylvanians, ROCIS accommodates a limited number of Pennsylvanians outside that region.

40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above recommended guidelines. This guide explains what radon is and how to protect yourself.

Should Philadelphians worry about radon?

Should we be worrying about radon in Philly?

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. These can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Philly is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

If you live in a humid region, consider a 

What tips do you have for allergy season? 

Spring is known as the worst season for allergies, and many in Philly suffer from them. Take these steps to control allergens in your home this season. Your sinuses will thank you.

How To Combat Allergy Season Like a Pro

Prepare Your Philly Home For Allergy Season

Tips and tricks for living your best Philadelphia life, by locals, for locals.

Philly Life Hacks

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost.

How To Get COVID-19 Treatment Paxlovid for Free

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

Pennsylvania saw a spike in the rate of severe pregnancy complications between 2016 and 2022, according to a 

report by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council

. Philly's outcomes were some of the worst. But, the City of Philadelphia is taking steps to curb severe health issues, like blood clots and even kidney failure, that occur during labor and delivery.

, Dr. Aasta Mehta, Medical Officer of Women's Health for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, shared details about a 

 the city plans to launch in early 2024 to better track — and hopefully reduce — such complications.

It's complicated. So, overall we are seeing that the population that is having babies is older, and the older you get, the more chance that you have a preexisting condition that might make that pregnancy more high-risk. Obesity can also lead to complications in pregnancy, and we know that those rates have gone up in the United States. Outside of that, a lot of that has to do with social determinants of health, all the things that sort of happen in your life that lead up to that pregnancy. This is where you live, the types of opportunities you have, where you work, the type of air you breathe, all of that stuff can come into play when you're thinking about how healthy your pregnancy and childbirth process is going to be.

What is the city doing to help reduce the number of these severe pregnancy complications?

The first thing we're doing is trying to better better understand how often this happens. So, the Board of Health earlier this year approved mandatory reporting [by Philadelphia hospitals] for these severe complications that happen in pregnancy. That’s so we can better understand, is it a couple neighborhoods more so than others? Where should we put resources? And then also, what supports do hospitals need to build in? Or do we need to build up some community support and that connection to the community after the complication? So the first step is to really just better understand what are the complications that we're seeing.

What's the timeline? When would we see results?

We plan to launch this surveillance in the first quarter of next year. So we're going to collect our data for about a year to make sure that we're collecting it properly, and then we'll be able to release that data out to the public.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Listen to Dr. Mehta’s full interview here 🗣️

Pennsylvania saw a spike in the rate of severe pregnancy complications between 2016 and 2022, according to a report by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council. Philly's outcomes were some of the worst. But, the City of Philadelphia is taking steps to curb severe health issues, like blood clots and even kidney failure, that can occur during pregnancy.

3Qs with Philly’s Women’s Health Medical Officer

What Philadelphia celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Philly Public Figures

3 Questions With

Two new COVID vaccines, developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, received the green light from the FDA last month and were shipped to pharmacies across the country — 

but many Philadelphians initially reported trouble securing their booster

. We break down what’s different this time around, and share tips for getting the jab.

. In the past, the federal government bought vaccines and distributed them for free; this year, pharmacies must buy the vaccine directly from suppliers. As one health and policy expert told NPR, this is the first year 

 Pharmacies are scheduling appointments, but then don’t have the vaccine in stock. This is the first time insurers were supposed to cover the cost of vaccines as preventative medicine (instead of the government), but many haven’t updated their billing codes.

This last part is especially frustrating because we knew this was coming — the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

 back in July urging them to update their systems by mid- to late-September.

Call your insurance company and confirm both that they’re going to cover the booster, and that they’ll honor that payment wherever you’ve made your appointment. You can’t go anywhere. The pharmacy or clinic has to be in-network unless there’s nowhere to go in-network with the vaccine in stock. If that’s the case, insurers are supposed to cover it even if it's out-of-network — but you may have to fight.

Call the pharmacy or clinic on the day of your appointment to confirm that they have the vaccine in stock. Many try to send automated cancellation messages if they run out, but those systems aren’t foolproof.

Experts say pharmacies should be getting more vaccines in stock and insurance companies are 

You can request up to four free COVID tests for your household at 

💉 Find COVID-19 vaccines in Philly

What Philly Should Know About The New COVID Vaccine

One in five Pennsylvania residents has been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, according to the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 than the state average overall. When you’re already struggling, it can be overwhelming to navigate how to seek help. Bookmark this article for when you might need resources for mental health support.

Connect with certified crisis counselors who provide support in suicide prevention and de-escalation. Languages spoken include Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, French, and Mandarin.

Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services

Seeking help for depression, relationship issues, or substance use problems? Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) runs a 24-hour call center to assist residents and their families.

DBHIDS also runs five adult and two youth 

, providing round-the-clock emergency behavioral health services in-person.

One in five Pennsylvania residents has been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you’re already struggling, it can be overwhelming to navigate how to seek help. Bookmark this article for a list of important resources for mental health.

public health

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

Latest articles

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

Five Ways Philly Is Building Climate Resilience

What To Do in an Animal Emergency in Philly

How To Protect Yourself From Ticks in Philadelphia

Should we be worrying about radon in Philly?

Prepare Your Philly Home For Allergy Season

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

Latest articles

How To Protect Yourself From Ticks in Philadelphia

Should we be worrying about radon in Philly?

Prepare Your Philly Home For Allergy Season

How to Get Paxlovid for Free

3Qs with Philly’s Women’s Health Medical Officer

What Philly Should Know About The New COVID Vaccine

Bookmark These Mental Health Resources