Charleston–Huntington Metro Ranked Among Cleanest in U.S. for Ozone Pollution

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Overhead, the Charleston, Huntington, Ashlin metro area is once again earning top marks for low ozone pollution, ranking among the cleanest in the nation. Ozone smog affects the largest number of people in the US. Smog forms when the gases from tailpipes, smoke stacks, factories, and other pollution sources react with sunlight. It is a powerful respiratory irritant with effects that have been likened to sunburn of the lungs. On a day when a chemical accident put things in the air that would impact thousands of people and force many to shelter in place in the Cana Valley, the Charleston Huntington Ashlin area earns an A from the American Lung Association when it comes to ozone.

[00:00:43]>> We're very happy to report that uh we have a straight A's for ozone for all the counties that measure ozone in that large metro area for the third straight year. And um so that's a good news uh story and uh we're happy to tell it. Um we uh also recognize unfortunately that uh the daily measure of fine particle pollution that remains at a Dgra level.

[00:01:09]So not exactly the best grade to take home to mom.

[00:01:12]>> Experts say wildfire smoke and emissions from sources like power plants and diesel engines are key contributors.

[00:01:19]There is some improvement in year round particle pollution levels which remain below the federal standard and earned a passing grade. Still, health advocates warned that even short-term spikes have a serious impact, especially for children, seniors, and people with lung or heart conditions. Other regions across the state posted a combination of improvements and declines.

[00:01:41]West Virginia officials continue to push for more cold fired power. Any additional air pollution that's caused from additional facilities can add up.

[00:01:50]>> The Lung Association is now urging federal and state leaders to strengthen clean air protections, warning that recent roll backs could put public health at risk. In Charleston, Bob Aaron on 8.