About this episode

This episode explores the Donora Death Fog incident and its impact on labor and health accountability in the U.S.

On this week’s Labor History Today (Originally released October 12, 2025): A visit to the Donora Smog Museum, where a six-day inversion in 1948 trapped toxic fumes over a Pennsylvania mill town and changed how the U.S. thinks about work, health, and accountability.And, on Labor History in 2:00: The Mother Jones Monument is Dedicated. Questions, comments, or suggestions are welcome, and to find out how you can be a part of Labor History Today, email us at LaborHistoryToday@gmail.com Labor History Today is produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation and the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. #LaborRadioPod #History #WorkingClass #ClassStruggle @GeorgetownKILWP #LaborHistory @UMDMLA @ILLaborHistory @AFLCIO @StrikeHistory #LaborHistory @wrkclasshistory

Topics covered

• environmental disaster
• labor history
• public health
• accountability
• toxic exposure
• Mother Jones

Keywords

• Donora
• smog
• 1948
• labor history
• public health
• Mother Jones
• toxic fumes
• accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Labor Heritage Foundation, Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor

Books & works: Labor History in 2:00

Places: Donora, Pennsylvania

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• The Martyr of Kensington: Carl Mackley and the Aberle Strike · June 28, 2026 · 30 min
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