Chatham County's Air Pollution: Unhealthy Contributors

Many adults and children in Chatham County, North Carolina, suffer from the health effects of air pollution, which can aggravate asthma and cause other health issues. The air quality in the area can vary, and the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) provides guidelines on how to protect oneself from the health risks posed by pollutants. Chatham County is not the only area affected by poor air quality, as there are also areas called Chatham in the United Kingdom and Chatham in Ontario, Canada, which have their own air pollution issues.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, is a major contributor to air pollution in Chatham County. This pollutant is made up of tiny particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter, which is about 3% of the diameter of a human hair. Because of their minuscule size, these particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled deep into the respiratory system, potentially causing serious health issues.

PM2.5 is generated by a variety of sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, wildfires, and the burning of fossil fuels. In the case of Chatham County, the specific sources of PM2.5 pollution may vary depending on the location. For example, in Chatham, Ontario, the PM2.5 AQI (Air Quality Index) was reported to be 21 on May 2, 2025. This indicates that the air quality was relatively good on that particular day, with a low level of fine particulate matter pollution.

On the other hand, in Chatham, United Kingdom, the PM2.5 AQI was recorded at a much higher level of 124 on February 10, 2025. This suggests that the air quality was unhealthy, primarily due to the high concentration of fine particulate matter. Sources of PM2.5 pollution in this location may include traffic emissions, especially in roadside areas, as well as industrial activities and power generation.

Additionally, in Chatham County, North Carolina, air pollution is recognized as a significant health concern, with many children and adults suffering from its effects. While specific data on PM2.5 levels is not readily available for this location, it is reasonable to assume that fine particulate matter contributes to the overall air pollution levels in the county. Indoor air quality has also emerged as a notable issue in Chatham County, with indoor environments posing health risks due to the presence of environmental pollutants.

It is important to note that the health impacts of PM2.5 pollution can be significant. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can aggravate asthma, contribute to the development of heart and lung diseases, and increase the risk of premature death. Therefore, it is crucial for residents of areas with high PM2.5 pollution, such as Chatham Roadside, United Kingdom, to monitor air quality reports and take appropriate measures to protect their health when pollutant levels are elevated.

Respirable particulate matter (PM10)

Chatham County, North Carolina, has air quality issues that negatively impact the health of its residents. While I could not find specific information on the sources of air pollution in this county, I did find detailed information on respirable particulate matter (PM10) and its effects on human health, which is outlined below.

PM10, or inhalable particulate matter, refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. These particles are small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and can induce adverse health effects. They are often coarse fragments of solid matter or liquid droplets, and can contain inorganic ions, metallic compounds, elemental carbon, and organic compounds.

The health effects of long-term exposure to PM10 are not yet fully understood, but several studies suggest a link between exposure and respiratory mortality. Exposure to PM10 is associated with respiratory diseases, including the aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis. It is also linked to cardiovascular issues, such as an increased risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias due to systemic inflammation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines to limit exposure to PM10, recommending that the annual mean concentration should not exceed 15 μg/m3, and the 24-hour mean should not exceed 45 μg/m3. Exposure above these levels increases the risk of adverse health effects.

Children, infants, and older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, as well as asthmatics, are the groups most likely to experience adverse health effects from exposure to PM10. This is because children and infants inhale more air per pound of body weight than adults, breathe faster, spend more time outdoors, and have smaller body sizes.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

I found information relating to Chatham County, North Carolina, and Chatham, Ontario, and Chatham Roadside in the United Kingdom. I also found a reference to Chatham, Massachusetts, but no information on air pollution in that location.

I could not find specific information on the levels of nitrogen dioxide in Chatham County, North Carolina. However, air pollution is a known irritant that aggravates asthma, and many children and adults in the county suffer from its health effects.

The air quality index (AQI) for nitrogen dioxide in Chatham, Ontario, was 4 on May 2, 2025, at 00:15 am CST. This is a low rating.

The AQI for nitrogen dioxide in Chatham Roadside was 10 on August 30, 2024, at 00:28 am CST, and 6 on February 10, 2025, at 22:57 pm CST. The air quality was deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups on the latter date.

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

I found information relating to Chatham County, North Carolina, and Chatham, Ontario, and Chatham Roadside in the United Kingdom. I also found a reference to a Chatham in Massachusetts in the US, but it is unclear if this is the same place as Chatham County, North Carolina. I did not find any information about air pollution in a Chatham County in any of these places. Assuming that Chatham County refers to the one in North Carolina, here is the information I found about sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution in the area:

Chatham County, North Carolina, has an air pollution problem that affects the health of children and adults in the area. Unfortunately, I could not find specific information about sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the county.

Chatham, Ontario, has an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 24. The AQI for sulphur dioxide (SO2) is not available (N/A).

Chatham Roadside in the United Kingdom has an overall AQI of 124. The AQI for sulphur dioxide (SO2) is 1.

Chatham in Massachusetts has an AQI of 15, but the main pollutant is listed as PM2.5, not sulphur dioxide (SO2).

Carbon monoxide (CO)

I found information relating to Chatham County, North Carolina, and Chatham, a town in the United Kingdom. I also found results for Chatham, Ontario, and Massachusetts, but these did not have enough information to include here.

Chatham County, North Carolina

Chatham County, North Carolina, suffers from poor air quality, which affects the health of children and adults. Many experience the health effects of polluted air, including the aggravation of asthma. The daily Air Quality Index (AQI) provides information on health concerns and protection measures for different levels of air pollution. However, specific data on carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the area is not readily available.

Chatham, United Kingdom

Chatham, a town in the United Kingdom, has a real-time air pollution index that includes data on various pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO). On February 10, 2025, the overall air quality index for Chatham Roadside was 124, with an unspecified AQI for carbon monoxide. On August 30, 2024, the overall air quality index was 30, and the carbon monoxide AQI was again not specified. While carbon monoxide is one of the measured pollutants, specific details on its contribution to the unhealthy air pollution in Chatham are not provided.

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