News Flash

For Immediate Release

06/09/2023   

General Health Information

Phone: 704-216-8859
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/health
Email: amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Wildfires Are Still Affecting Rowan and Surrounding Counties

As smoke from Canada continues to travel south, fine particle pollution will remain elevated in parts of North Carolina on Friday. 

In Rowan County, the air quality for today will be a Code Yellow. A Code Yellow is not considered an air quality action day. However, people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution should watch for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. If this should occur, you will want to shorten your time outdoors and rest. Healthy adults can go about their day as normal. 

With the weekend upon us though and with possible plans to travel, please be aware that the air quality around us may be a little more dangerous. The nine-county Triad region, which includes Randolph, Davidson, Davie, Alamance, Guilford, Forsyth, Caswell, Rockingham, and Stokes counties, will be under a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day throughout the duration of today.

Additionally, Mecklenburg and Union counties will be under a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for smog-forming ozone today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ground-level ozone forms when certain chemicals combine on hot days in the presence of sunshine. Smoky conditions can also promote the formation of ozone. 

A Code Orange represents an unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. Older adults, younger children, and those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Also, those who suffer from heart disease may be at a higher risk on a Code Orange Day. If you should start suffering from heart palpitations, have shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, please contact your health care provider at once.

As the weather pushes more smoke away from North Carolina throughout this weekend, both the air quality and ozone levels should hold in the Code Yellow range for tomorrow for the majority of the state and could return to healthy Code Green levels by Sunday. For the latest updates, please check your local weather or visit the Air Quality Portal online before venturing outdoors. 

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Contact:

Amy Smith

(704) 216-8859

amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release General Health Information-June 09, 2023