AIR QUALITY - SMOKE FORECAST UPDATE FOR COASTAL AREAS

RALEIGH -- Smoke from coastal wildfires continues to lessen due to rainfall and fire-fighting efforts, but residents of coastal communities east of Washington could experience poor air quality on Tuesday depending on wind directions.

The Evans Road wildfire near Phelps Lake has blanketed some coastal communities with heavy smoke that could contain elevated levels of particle pollution. Air quality monitors have measured unhealthy air pollution levels in areas downwind of the fires. A map of forecasted smoke impact areas can be found at: http://www.ncair.org/news/pr/2008/smoke_warning.shtml.

Forecasters have predicted Code Orange conditions - or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - on Tuesday in eastern Beaufort, western Hyde, southwestern Tyrrell and southeastern Washington counties. The forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Sensitive groups include the older adults and children; people with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema; and people who work or exercise outdoors.

Air pollution levels that people experience will depend on wind directions that can be variable. So all residents of coastal regions east of Greenville and north of New Bern should be aware of weather conditions and be prepared for smoke and poor air quality. Outdoor burning is discouraged in areas covered by Code Orange, Red or Purple forecasts.

The primary pollutant of concern is fine particles, which include microscopic solids and liquid droplets in the air. Particles can be harmful to breathe and contribute to haze and other air quality problems. Fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing or aggravating heart and lung diseases.

Persons most susceptible to particle pollution include those with heart and respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children. Symptoms of exposure to high particle levels include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest pain or tightness; shortness of breath; and asthma attacks. In extreme cases, particle pollution can cause heart attacks and premature death.

A wide range of sources contribute to particle pollution, including power plants and other industry, cars and trucks, wood stoves and outdoor fires. Large wildfires in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties as well as the Dismal Swamp in Southeastern Virginia are the primary sources of smoke and particle pollution that have blanketed parts of the state since early June.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality (DAQ) issues daily air forecasts for the Triangle, Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount metropolitan areas. In the Triad, forecasts are issued by the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. For additional information, call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224) or visit the DAQ web site at www.ncair.org or Forsyth County's web site at, http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/

Email us