The Triangle's air quality will remain poor going into the weekend
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Canadian smoke will once again harsh the Carolina blue skies of the Triangle on Thursday, as wildfires from up north tank air quality across the region.
What's happening: Going outside will be unhealthy for sensitive groups — like those who spend a lot of time active outdoors, older adults, children and people with asthma — according to the NC Division of Air Quality, which issued a Code Orange air quality alert today for Triangle counties.
- That's progress from Wednesday morning's Code Red air quality alert when particle pollution was higher, but smoky conditions will persist, the department said.
Why it matters: Breathing in high levels of smoke and other air pollution can increase a person's risk of developing lung and heart conditions, Axios' Jacob Knutson writes.
- It can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions and can trigger asthma and heart attacks.
- Air pollution contributes to almost 11,000 deaths in the U.S. annually, according to a 2021 estimate, while a 2022 study estimated that it contributed to at least 1.8 million excess deaths in 2019.
By the numbers: Air quality is reported using the EPA's Air Quality Index. Any value above 100 is considered to be unhealthy.
- Air quality in the Wake County today is expected to be at the 130 level, according to the NC Division of Air Quality, and around 115 in Durham and Orange counties, as of yesterday's afternoon update.
- NCDEQ says the Triangle's air quality reached a level of 151 on Wednesday.
What's next: Some relief could arrive in the Triangle by Saturday afternoon, as a low pressure system begins to move eastward, according to the Division of Air Quality.
- The air quality alert is expected to be downgraded to a Code Yellow then.