Breathe A Little Easier

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitors levels of ozone and particle pollution from stations around Virginia. Both of these are pollutants, at high levels, may raise health concerns in some people, particularly those with breathing problems such as asthma.

The Roanoke Valley acts as a bowl to trap in tiny particles (soot, dust, smoke, and fumes, burning of coal, oil, diesel, and other fuels). The particles are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and cause health problems. When we get a hot, stagnant air mass with little wind, these particles can stick around for days and days. As the sun’s intensity reaches its maximum during the mid-afternoon, smog levels will peak, then fall rapidly in the evening when the sun goes down. Likewise, increasing winds and steady rain can "clean out" the particles.

What should you do?

• Monitor your local air quality reports (found on the Weather homepage under 'Weather and Health."


• When levels are high, stay inside if you can. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.


• Avoid the use of any other gasoline engines, such as mowers and other lawn equipment, or boat motors


• Save power by turning off lights and appliances when they are not needed.


• Avoid burning yard debris or brush.

The DEQ will issue Ozone Action Days which mean the air quality will be especially poor. We will pass those bulletins along to you during routine weather segments.

Now you can breathe easier knowing we are thinking about your health.