What's up, Forsyth?

What's up, Forsyth??   Before we recap our 2023 ozone season, first we will provide some context on the air quality monitoring and forecasting activities of our office. To start, did you know that ground-level ozone (O₃) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are the two most concerning air pollutants for public health in Forsyth County and in the state of North Carolina? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines   National Ambient Air Quality Standards  (NAAQS)  for acceptable or "satisfactory" concentrations of ozone, particulate matter, and the other criteria air pollutants . These research-informed thresholds are set for the protection of public health and welfare, and they are evaluated every few years based on the latest scientific findings. In Forsyth County, we are in attainment of the NAAQS for each of the  criteria air pollutants. However, it may become more challenging  to maintain this status for PM2.5 and ozone since NAAQS may ...

What's up, Forsyth??        Looking to learn more about our 2023 pollen season and pollen monitoring program in general? We have the blog for you!      The  Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection (FCOEAP) has been monitoring local pollen concentrations for over 25 years (since 1997), with each pollen monitoring season typically beginning in early to mid-February and concluding around late October. For 2023, the last day FCOEAP counted pollen this year was on October 31st, prior to an influx of colder air that brought a widespread freeze to the Triad which effectively ended the growing season.      Our daily pollen samples are collected with  a RotoRod Model 40 sampler (Figure 1), and then the samples are analyzed using a Leitz Wetzlar microscope (Figure 2). The area of the sample and the sampling time are fixed parameters, allowing us to calculate pollen concentrations based on the number of grains cou...

What's up, Forsyth?? Forsyth County's air quality monitoring network has a new and unique addition!       On August 30, 2023, a RadNet air monitor was established at our Hattie Avenue air quality monitoring site (Figure 1). There are approximately 140 RadNet air monitors in operation across the United States, operating continuously to send near real-time measurements of gamma radiation to  EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) . RadNet monitors pull ambient air through the system and collect airborne particulates on filters placed inside the hood. The air filters are collected weekly and are then sent off to   EPA’s NAREL  for testing. NAREL staff test the results of the collected filter and calculate the concentrations of radionuclides to detect trends in airborne radiation.      In radiological emergencies, the EPA may deploy teams to conduct air monitoring and environmental sampling. However, RadNet...