WEEKEND AIR QUALITY - SMOKE FORECAST UPDATE FOR COASTAL AREAS

RALEIGH -- Air quality officials issued an updated advisory today for air pollution in coastal regions of North Carolina over the July 4 weekend as smoke from wildfires continues to drift downwind. Residents of coastal communities roughly north and east of Belhaven, Plymouth and Edenton could experience poor air quality depending on wind directions.

The Evans Road wildfire near Phelps Lake and another fire in the Great Dismal Swamp are blanketing many coastal communities with heavy smoke that could contain high 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 forecasted the potential for Code Red to Purple conditions -- or Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy -- on Friday through the weekend in all or parts of the following counties: Camden, Currituck, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington. The forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid all physical activity outdoors. 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. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

In addition, residents could experience Code Orange conditions -- or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - in Chowan, Dare and Gates counties. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Air pollution levels that people experience will depend on wind directions that can be variable. So all residents of coastal regions 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. Air monitors in Belhaven, Columbia and Washington have recorded peak hourly particle levels ranging from 1,100 to 2,150 micrograms per cubic meter - or from 30 to 60 times the 24-hour standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

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 industries, cars and trucks, wood stoves and outdoor fires. Large wildfires in Hyde, Tyrell 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 for the past two weeks.

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/

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