CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the weather warms, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WVDEP) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) reminds West Virginians to “Be Air Aware.” In recognition of
National Air Quality Awareness Week – May 1 to May 5 – the DAQ is teaming up with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in a national effort to make citizens aware of simple daily choices that can affect air quality.
Transportation choices can play a significant role in air quality improvement. Choose alternatives to driving such as taking the bus, carpooling, biking, or walking to your destination. If those alternatives are not options, try these tips: turn off your engine instead of idling; keep your tires properly inflated for better fuel mileage; combine trips; and, refuel in the evening hours when fumes from refueling won’t combine with the sun’s heat to increase ozone levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) for nine areas in West Virginia can be obtained by visiting
DAQ’s webpage. The AQI is reported for Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Weirton and Wheeling year-round. The reported index is the calculated value for the past 24 hours and is updated Monday through Friday. During ozone season, April 1 through October 31, Greenbrier County and Martinsburg information is also reported.