AIR QUALITY …
It's the quality of the air you're breathing…EVERYDAY

Click to go to Air Quality Forecast Center for Ozone and Particulate Matter Forecasts

Did you know?

• The average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air a day
  
• Up to 70% of air pollution is caused by cars and trucks
  
• Air Pollution causes shortness of breath and reduces lung function, even in healthy adults
  
• One out of every three people exposed to air pollution is at a higher risk of experiencing health-related effects
  
• Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM) are the two major pollutants in Catawba County.

What Is Ozone?

• A colorless gas found in the air we breathe
• Referred to as smog
• Formed when air pollutants "bake" in the hot, summer sun
• Comes from cars and industries
• When ozone levels are high, the following factors are usually in place: sunshine; clear sky; temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit; little or no wind
• Unhealthy levels usually occur between Noon and 6 p.m. from May through September.
• Ground-level ozone is a major summertime air pollutant

What is Particulate Matter?

• A complex mixture of extremely small particles
  and liquid droplets
  
• PM can be emitted directly or formed in the air from gases
  
• Comes from cars, trucks, buses, factories, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and wood burning
  
• Can be a problem any time of the year and any time of the day or night.
  
• The major source of haze that reduces visibility in many areas, including parks

What can be done about Ozone?

• Conserve energy
  
• Avoid spilling fuel and topping off the tank
  
• Keep engines tuned
  
• Keep tires properly inflated
  
• Carpool
  
• Refuel after 6pm
• Mow lawns after 6pm

What can be done about Particulate Matter?

• Don't burn trash or yard waste
  
• Exercise less strenuously on high particulates days
  
• Avoid busy roads and fires
  
• Avoid indoor particulates by not smoking indoors
  
• Limit use of candles, wood-burning stoves and fireplaces

Where can you find more information on Ozone and Particulate Matter?

• Look for the forecast in your local TV, radio or newspaper
  
• Ozone is forecast May-September
  
• Particulate Matter is forecast all year around
  
• Call the Catawba County Health Department at 695-5800
  
• Call 1-888-RU4NCAIR or check out the state website at www.daq.state.nc.us

What can you do to protect you and your family from air pollution?

• Be aware of the ozone and particulate matter forecasts
  
• Alert those most susceptible to high levels to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors on "bad air" days
  
• Know the air quality color codes - the recommended actions and health effects (see chart on back)
  
• Take steps to protect your health and environment

What are the health effects of Ozone?

• Aggravates asthma
  
• Reduces lung function
  
• Lowers resistance to allergens, infections and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia
  
• Causes shortness of breath, pain with deep inhalation, coughing and wheezing, headaches, nausea and eye and throat irritation

What are the environmental and health effects of Particulate Matter?

• Fine particles penetrate deeper into the lungs
  
• Exposure can lead to premature death and aggravation of heart and lung disease
  
• Increased hospital admissions and doctor and ER visits
  
• Absences from work and school
  
• May be a link to lung cancer deaths, infant mortality and developmental problems
  
• Settles on soil and water and harms the environment by changing the nutrient and chemical balance
  
• Causes erosion and staining of structures including culturally important objects such as monuments and statues

Who is most sensitive to health effects of Ozone and Particulate Matter?

• Children
  
• People with asthma or pre-existing lung problems
  
• Healthy adults who engage in physical exercise outdoors
  
• Healthy adults who engage in manual labor outdoors

How do I get the current forecast for our area:

• Go to Air Quality Forecast Center for both Ozone and Particulate Matter forecasts
• Go to current Ozone Forecast
• Go to current Particulate Matter (Particle Pollution) Forecast

THINK. ACT. BREATHE



For more information, contact:
Catawba County Public Health Department 828.695.5800