What's up, Forsyth?

What’s Up, Forsyth? In our next two blog posts, we will discuss how ozone ( O₃)   affects plants and how studying certain “ozone sensitive” plants can inform us of local air quality issues. In this first blog, we will delve into the physiological effects of  O₃   exposure on plants and the subsequent ecosystem and economic effects. In our following blog, we will explain how “ozone gardens”—areas planted with species that physically show ozone damage on their leaves—can help raise air quality awareness in our communities. We will also highlight a recent partnership between Triad Air Awareness and the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden to plant Kernersville’s first public ozone garden . Let’s begin by defining ground-level ozone. What is Ground-Level Ozone? Stratospheric ozone, commonly called the ozone layer, is naturally occurring in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and protects us from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, this same gas is an air pollutant ...

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 ...