The Alcoa Foundation announced today its support for the creation of a "clean air" laboratory for the treatment of autism at The Children's Institute in Squirrel Hill, as well as grants to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

A $200,000 grant to The Children's Institute will back the exploration of a plan to create a nearly pollution-free room in which autistic children may spend weeks or months in an effort to determine whether the elimination of toxins from their bodies improves their neurological and immune system function. Children there will drink extremely pure water and eat healthy, organic food as they undergo therapy and spend time with their families and visitors.

The foundation's $600,000 grant to the August Wilson Center, expected to open next year in the Cultural District, will back the creation of permanent exhibits and a touring exhibition. A $400,000 grant to the Carnegie Library system will back children's areas in new North Side and Hill District branches.

Foundation officials said they are building long-term relationships with the three grant recipients.