Mon County pools advised to close because of poor air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke enters WV

Health officials in Monongalia County are recommending that outdoor pools close and camps and daycare facilities keep children inside while air there remains “very unhealthy” due to wildfire smoke from Canada. 

Monongalia County is under an air quality advisory as the air remains at a 244 on the air quality index, according to a news release from the Monongalia County Health Department. The air quality index ranges from 0, which is good, to 300 and up, which are emergency conditions. 

Until air quality improves, Health Officer Brian Huggins also advises that children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart disease should avoid all outdoor physical activity. 

Other adults should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, the health department said. 

Outdoor camps should move children inside and limit outdoor activities to a minimum, the agency said. Daycares and schools should keep kids inside during recreation time, he said.

Employers should limit workers’ outdoor activity for employees and people should wear a fitted N95 or KN95 respirator mask if outdoor activity is necessary for extended periods, the agency said.

Elsewhere in the state, the state Department of Environmental Protection said West Virginia residents should monitor air quality in their area due to the wildfires. 

Forecasts indicated that air quality in parts of the state may be poor due to wildfires beginning Thursday and continuing Friday, the DEP said. 

People can visit AirNow.gov or use the AirNow mobile app to monitor air quality. 

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can affect anyone, but especially especially children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, the DEP said. 

When air quality worsens, people are advised to reduce time outdoors and limit strenuous physical activity, particularly if air quality reaches the unhealthy category or higher. People who experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or difficulty breathing should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

“WVDEP will continue working with the National Weather Service offices in the region to issue air quality alerts for affected areas of West Virginia as forecasts evolve,” the agency said.