Air quality officials have issued a Code Orange health notice for air pollution in the Charlotte metropolitan area on Tuesday.
People who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid moderate exertion outdoors. Sensitive groups include children and older adults; people who work or exercise outdoors; people with heart conditions; and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
The primary pollutant of concern is ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. Ozone can be unhealthy to breathe, and high levels generally occur on hot, sunny days with stagnant air.
Ozone levels in Charlotte are expected to exceed the federal standard of 75 parts per billion averaged during eight hours.
High ozone levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals.
People with chronic lung ailments, older adults and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity in the afternoon, when ozone levels are highest.
In addition, residents of affected areas should refrain from outdoor burning on Code Orange and Red days. It is illegal to burn paper, trash, construction materials and other non-vegetative matter in North Carolina.
For more information about air quality forecasts, open burning restrictions and other air issues, visit the divisionís website at www.ncair.org or call 1-888-RU4NCAIR (1-888-784-6224). Information about air quality in the Triad can be found at http://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/EnvAffairs/.