CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – As a result of smoke traveling from the recent Canadian wildfires, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) says it is encouraging residents to monitor air quality conditions throughout the next several days.
The WVDEP says current forecasts are indicating air quality may be impacted across portions of West Virginia beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing into Friday.
They say some areas could experience elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) values in the red (unhealthy) or purple (very unhealthy) categories, with a limited potential for maroon (hazardous) conditions for brief periods in isolated locations.
The AQI is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health.
You can view the six different color-coded AQI categories below:
They say some areas could experience elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) values in the red (unhealthy) or purple (very unhealthy) categories, with a limited potential for maroon (hazardous) conditions for brief periods in isolated locations.(West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection)
The WVDEP says wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, known PM2.5, which can affect anyone, especially sensitive groups, such as children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions like asthma or COPD.
If air quality worsens, the federal health guidance recommends spending less time outdoors and limiting strenuous physical activity, especially if air quality reaches the “Unhealthy” category or higher.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, the WVDEP says you should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
You can monitor current air quality conditions and forecasts by visiting the EPA’s AirNow website at airnow.gov or by using the AirNow mobile app.
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