• By Sarah Coffey
• Posted Thursday, June 29, 2023

Code Red Air Quality Alert Issued for the Triad Thursday, Code Orange Issued for the Triad Friday

A Code RED air quality alert has been issued for Thursday, June 29th as levels of particle pollution reach levels considered unhealthy for the general public. A Code ORANGE air quality alert has been issued for Friday, June 30th due to anticipated levels of particle pollution becoming unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Today the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection has upgraded from a Code Orange to a Code RED Air Quality Action Day for the Triad Area, including Forsyth, Guilford, Alamance, Davidson, Randolph, Rockingham, Caswell, Davie and Stokes counties. The Office has declared a Code ORANGE for tomorrow for these same counties.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to affect the Triad and other parts of the eastern US, and fine particulates (PM2.5) have risen to levels that are unhealthy for everyone. Some members of the general public may experience health effects, while sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart and lung disease such as asthma, may experience more serious effects.

For the general public, it is recommended to limit long or intense exertion outdoors and to take frequent breaks, whereas sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity altogether and reschedule any events planned for outdoors.

Also for Friday, June 30th, sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors since there are expected Code ORANGE conditions. The Office also recommends checking the air quality index and Triad Air Quality forecasts as air quality conditions may change.

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 The use of gas-powered lawn equipment should also be postponed until the air quality alert is no longer in effect.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.