• By Sarah Coffey
• Posted Monday, July 17, 2023

Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued for the Triad Tuesday

A code ORANGE air quality alert has been issued for Tuesday, July 18th as levels of particle pollution are anticipated to reach levels that are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection has declared another Code ORANGE Air Quality Action Day for the Triad Area, including Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davidson, Randolph, Rockingham, Caswell, Davie and Stokes counties.

Smoke from wildfires in western Canada continues to be funneled into the Triad region, causing hazy skies and elevated levels of fine particles (PM2.5). Levels of PM2.5 are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups on Tuesday. Children, teenagers, older adults, people with heart and lung disease such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, are all considered sensitive groups to PM exposure. It is recommended that these groups limit prolonged or intense exertion outdoors and that they take frequent breaks. Those with asthma should keep quick-relief medicine handy.

Triad residents and businesses can help prevent particle pollution levels from rising even further by driving less, avoiding engine idling, and staying home if possible. The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the air quality alert is no longer in effect.

The burning of trash and other non-vegetative material is always prohibited, and the burning of leaves, brush, or other vegetation is banned until the alert is over.

Conditions should improve on Wednesday and Thursday, although it is recommended to continue checking Triad Air Quality forecasts at www.forsyth.cc/eap.