What's up, Forsyth?

What’s Up, Forsyth? In this blog post, we explain how the air pollution and airborne pollen levels are changing seasonally. We also compare Forsyth County’s air quality and pollen season in 2024 with 2023 and share tips for reducing air pollution exposure this winter. How is our air quality changing this time of year? Ground-level ozone season (the period of time when we monitor and forecast for ozone) lasts from March 1 st to October 31 st . This is because sunlight and heat are needed for it to form. Between November 1 st and February 28 th /29 th , ozone concentrations are much lower since our days are shorter and colder, and it is not necessary, nor required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to monitor for ozone in North Carolina during this period. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations can be high any time of year, therefore, we monitor PM and provide the air quality forecast for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) year-round. PM levels are generally higher in win...

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?!?!?! We're the Analysis & Monitoring (A&M) Division of the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance & Protection , and this is the first post of our new blog series, "What's Up, Forsyth?". In our blog, we will discuss current air quality issues and other special topics related to the air we breathe. You may be asking why we chose "What's Up, Forsyth?" as a blog name. Three reasons: 1. "Up" is a play on words that relates to the the air above us. 2. "What's Up" is a common informal phrase used to initiate conversation, as this blog's intention is to inform and educate while not being too technical. 3. "Forsyth" is the county where our office is located. You may be familiar with the services and information regularly provided by A&M, but if not, here's a quick recap: 1. A&M is responsible for air monitoring services in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This include...