AIR QUALITY OFFICIALS ISSUE A CODE PURPLE HEALTH NOTICE

RALEIGH --- Air quality officials issued a Code Purple advisory today for air pollution in the northeastern part of North Carolina on Friday and Saturday as smoke from the large wildfire at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge continues to blanket areas downwind. Air quality monitors have measured very unhealthy air pollution levels today in areas downwind from the fire.

Forecasters have predicted Code Purple conditions on Friday for areas east of I-95 and north of U.S. Highway 70, which means that air quality is expected to be very unhealthy. This area includes the cities of Edenton, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Plymouth, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington and Wilson. On Saturday, Code Purple conditions are likely in areas due north of the fire, including Edenton and Elizabeth City.

The forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups include the elderly, children, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Also, outdoor burning is prohibited on Code Orange, Red or Purple days.

The primary pollutant of concern is fine particles, which are very small particles and liquid droplets in the air. Particles can be harmful to breathe and contribute to haze and other air quality problems. Air monitors in Washington and Belhaven on Friday recorded particle levels ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 micrograms per cubic meter - or from 30 to more than 50 times the 24-hour standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

"These are some of the highest levels of particle pollution we have ever recorded," DAQ Director Keith Overcash said. "People residing in areas downwind from the fire should take immediate precautions by staying indoors and avoiding physical exertion, particularly if they are among these sensitive groups."

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 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. Smoke from the large wildfire in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties is expected to cause high particle levels across the northeastern part of the state as winds shift northward.

The air pollution forecast for the remainder of Friday and Saturday predicts that fine particle levels could far exceed the standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 24 hours. High particle levels can impair breathing and aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory problems, and irritate the lungs in healthy individuals. People with chronic lung ailments and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity.

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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