Air Pollution In North Carolina: A Troubling Scenario

Air pollution is a serious issue in North Carolina, with the state ranking 44th out of 50 for most polluted states in the US. The state's air quality has been a concern for decades, with ground-level ozone and particle pollution, primarily caused by vehicle emissions and coal-burning power stations, being the two biggest problems. While there have been improvements in recent years, with the air quality in 2020 being better than in 2019, and cleaner than in the 1970s, it is still not enough to protect people's health. The pollution can cause asthma attacks, harm lung development, and even lead to early death. Certain populations, including children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

North Carolina's air quality is improving, but it's not enough

North Carolina's air quality has been improving in recent years, but it still has a long way to go to reach safe levels. In 2022, the state had an air quality ranking of 33, with 88% of days having "good" air quality. This is an improvement from previous years, but it is still not enough to protect the health of its residents.

The two biggest air quality problems in North Carolina are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, both of which can have serious health impacts. Ozone is a colourless gas that occurs naturally in the Earth's stratosphere, where it helps protect us from harmful ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level, it is a dangerous pollutant that can cause inflammation in the lungs and make it painful to breathe. Particle pollution, on the other hand, is made up of tiny particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes and can even be lethal.

The sources of these pollutants are primarily emissions from vehicles, coal-burning power stations, and industrial manufacturing. While cleaner cars and new technology have helped reduce emissions, the state's growing population and the impacts of climate change could lead to worsening air quality in the future.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local media outlets regularly monitor and report on air quality, and individuals can also take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of air pollution and protect the health of North Carolina's residents.

One positive development is the proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act, which aim to reduce toxic air pollutants and save costs. By involving communities impacted by air pollution in the decision-making process, these amendments have the potential to make a significant difference in North Carolina.

The state's most vulnerable residents are still at risk

North Carolina's air quality has been improving in recent years, with the state recording its lowest levels of air pollution in decades. However, the state's most vulnerable residents are still at risk from the harmful effects of air pollution.

The two biggest air quality problems in North Carolina are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, both of which are linked to increased health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and even premature death. While emissions of these pollutants have been declining, they continue to pose a threat to public health, especially in vulnerable communities.

People of colour and low-income communities in North Carolina are disproportionately affected by air pollution due to a long history of environmental racism and the resulting health disparities. Historic redlining and disinvestment have led to these communities being located near industrial plants and highly trafficked areas, exposing them to higher levels of pollution. Additionally, North Carolina's growing population and expanding industrial farming practices contribute to increased emissions and pollution levels, further endangering the health of vulnerable residents.

Certain groups of people are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, including children, older adults, and people with pre-existing lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. For these individuals, exposure to particle pollution can have severe consequences, including decreased lung function, exacerbation of existing respiratory conditions, and increased risk of heart attacks and premature death.

While the state has made significant progress in reducing air pollution, it is crucial to continue implementing measures to protect the most vulnerable residents. This includes ensuring equal access to clean air and addressing the disparities in pollution levels between communities to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution exposure.

Ground-level ozone and particle pollution are the two biggest issues

North Carolina's air quality has improved in recent years, but it still faces significant challenges, particularly from ground-level ozone and particle pollution. These two issues are the state's most pressing air quality concerns and have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Ground-level ozone, often referred to as smog, is a colourless gas that occurs naturally in the Earth's stratosphere, protecting us from harmful UV rays. However, at ground level, it becomes a dangerous pollutant. Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with hydrocarbons on warm, sunny days with minimal wind. This combination traps pollution in the air, creating a type of ""sunburn"" inside the lungs, causing inflammation and making breathing painful. Ozone pollution is linked to increased health risks, including lung irritation, asthma attacks, and reduced lung function in children.

Particle pollution, also known as particulate matter or soot, consists of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. These particles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. This can lead to short-term health issues such as eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure to fine particles has been associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and lung cancer. Sources of particle pollution include vehicle emissions, coal-fired power plants, wildfires, and industrial manufacturing.

Both ground-level ozone and particle pollution are primarily caused by emissions from vehicles and coal-burning power stations. Despite improvements in technology and reductions in emissions, the air quality in North Carolina could deteriorate as the population grows, posing health risks and reducing the quality of life. The state has implemented measures to address these issues, and the air quality in the state capital met the World Health Organization's (WHO) target figure for eight months in 2020.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and organizations like the American Lung Association provide resources and information to help residents protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution. It is important for individuals to stay informed about air quality forecasts and take necessary precautions, especially for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions.

Animal waste is a major contributor to air pollution

North Carolina's air quality has been a concern for decades, with the state's most widespread air quality issue being ground-level ozone, or urban smog. This is caused by emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industry. While the air quality has improved in recent years, animal waste is a major contributor to air pollution in the state.

North Carolina is home to a large number of livestock, including pigs, cattle, chickens, and turkeys. The waste produced by these animals is estimated to be around 147.5 million pounds of manure each day. This waste emits ammonia, a gaseous form of nitrogen that leaches into the ground and pollutes waterways, creating dead zones where no life can exist. It also exacerbates asthma in humans and contributes to the formation of toxic algae blooms, which contaminate drinking water and kill marine life.

The state's industrial animal operations, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), have been associated with negative health impacts on nearby communities. These include an increased risk of kidney disease, anemia, tuberculosis, and other serious illnesses. During heavy rain and hurricanes, these facilities release millions of gallons of animal waste into floodwaters, further contaminating the environment.

The Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act are federal regulations that aim to protect communities from the harmful effects of CAFOs. However, the inability to accurately measure farm emissions has hindered the implementation of these laws. Additionally, the North Carolina Farm Act of 2018 has made it more challenging for individuals to take legal action against farms and agricultural corporations.

The excessive use of antibiotics in livestock to promote weight gain has also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These bacteria have been detected in the air and surrounding environments of hog facilities, posing a risk to nearby residents, particularly in minority communities. Overall, animal waste is a significant contributor to air pollution in North Carolina, and addressing this issue is crucial for protecting public health and the environment.

Charlotte is the most polluted city in the state

North Carolina's air quality has been improving over the years, with 2020 figures showing that the state's air quality was within the target figure set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eight months of the year. However, Charlotte, the state's largest city, has been ranked among the metro areas with the poorest air quality in North Carolina.

In 2018, Charlotte had 79 days of poor air quality due to pollution, the fifth highest in the state. The city's air pollution is mainly caused by ground-level ozone and particulate pollution, which are linked to increased health risks such as respiratory illness, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and mental health problems. These pollutants are caused by emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources. Charlotte's short-term particle pollution got worse in the 2022 "State of the Air" report, with more unhealthy days recorded. The area was ranked 62nd most polluted for year-round particle pollution.

The American Lung Association has called on the Biden administration to strengthen national limits on short-term and year-round particulate matter air pollution. The organization aims to educate the public about the health threats posed by air pollution and drive the cleanup of polluting sources. The "State of the Air" report also found that nearly 9 million more people were impacted by deadly particle pollution nationwide than reported the previous year.

While Charlotte has the poorest air quality in North Carolina, the state's air quality is generally improving. The Director of the North Carolina Division of Air Quality stated in 2019 that ozone and fine particulate matter used to be complex and challenging issues. However, with continuous reductions in emissions from primary air pollution sources, the air quality in the state is getting better.

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