The main goal of this study is to understand how air pollutants released by the Tonawanda Coke plant and other industries may have affected the overall health of residents in the nearby communities of the City and Town of Tonawanda, and the Town of Grand Island. The study will help to understand how the types of health problems community members experience may be linked to exposure to chemicals released into the air from the Tonawanda Coke plant, as well if and how low levels of pollutants affect the health of residents. 

The study will pay attention to how lifestyle behaviors like diet and exercise may help to lower the risk of diseases that may be associated with air pollution, in addition to exploring the impact of exposures to these pollutants over time. The study aims to help identify the number of new cases of diseases that develop, as well as identify ways to prevent disease in the future. These findings will expand the understanding how exposure to these air pollutants impacts residents' lives today, even after the plant was closed.

Mission: The mission of the Environmental Health Study of Western New York is to gather local data on health and air pollution exposures to provide a basis for community education, action, and advocacy, with hopes of informing medical practice and future research.

Vision: Healthy communities that are protected from potentially toxic air pollution created by industry and other sources that may affect health.