What is the Air Quality Like in North Carolina?

North Carolina is the 28th largest state in the United States and it’s known for its diverse climate and varied terrain. Home to a number of important cities, such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, North Carolina has plenty of attractions. But what about its air quality? With more people living and working in the state, this is an important aspect to take into account, especially for those considering visiting or moving to the state.

Regional Average Air Quality

Across the state, North Carolina’s average air quality is considered to be generally good. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air quality monitoring by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality maintained low levels of air pollution throughout the state in 2019, with few exceedances of the EPA standards during that time.The EPA also notes that while most areas reported good air quality, some regions faced higher levels of pollutants. These areas commonly contained high population density, a greater number of industrial plants, roadways with high traffic volume, or other sources of pollutants. When it comes to air quality, North Carolina focuses on two major pollutants: ground-level ozone (O3) and particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10).

Ground-Level Ozone

Ground-level ozone is created when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight to form a gas. Ozone in the atmosphere helps to shield the surface from harmful radiation, however at ground level it can be dangerous for human health and environmentally impactful in other ways too. The EPA reports that in 2019, all counties of North Carolina monitored for ground-level ozone exceeded the EPA standard at one or more times throughout the year. The highest levels were observed primarily in the western and central part of the state (especially in the Piedmont) but were still typically below any health advisories.

Particle Pollution

Particulate matter, or particle pollution, includes a range of particles that vary in size and chemical composition. These are usually caused by combustion processes such as fuel burning for power plants, cars and industry heating/cooling units. North Carolina’s 2019 monitoring data suggest that particle pollution is generally low across the state, with all monitored counties reporting one or fewer exceedances of EPA standards for fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and seven exceedances during the summer months for coarse particle pollution (PM10). The highest levels were observed largely across the western Piedmont region of North Carolina, which is a major industrial center.

Conclusion

Overall, North Carolina’s air quality is generally considered as good throughout most parts of the state. Areas with higher population density, greater numbers of industrial plants and major roads may suffer higher levels of pollutants than elsewhere. Nevertheless, the North Carolina Division of Air Quality will continue to monitor the air quality across the state and take measures to reduce any sources of pollution that arise.

As an AI assistant, I cannot discern the specific city within North Carolina the blog post is referring to as it is not specified. Therefore, I will provide a comprehensive insider’s guide for tourists visiting North Carolina as a whole, highlighting various cities and their unique attractions and experiences.

Insider’s Guide to North Carolina

Explore Charlotte

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and has much to offer tourists. One of the major attractions is the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a shrine to all things racing. The city also boasts a variety of museums, from the Mint Museum of Art to the Levine Museum of the New South. For outdoor enthusiasts, Freedom Park is a 98-acre park in the heart of Charlotte, offering trails, lakes, and plenty of recreational activities.

For a taste of local culture, visitors can check out the NoDa arts district, known for its vibrant murals, galleries, and live music scene. And no visit to Charlotte is complete without a stop at Price’s Chicken Coop, a local institution serving up delicious fried chicken since 1962.

Wilmington and the Beaches

Located in southeastern North Carolina, Wilmington is a picturesque coastal town with a rich history. Visitors can take a stroll along the downtown Riverwalk, explore the historic district, or check out the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial.

But perhaps the main draw of Wilmington is its proximity to the beaches. The crystal-clear waters and pristine sands of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach make all three excellent spots for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. In addition, Pleasure Island is home to numerous seafood restaurants and beachside bars serving up cold drinks and live music.

Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a charming town known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and scenic beauty. The city’s most famous attraction is the Biltmore Estate, an opulent mansion built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s.

Other must-see attractions include the Thomas Wolfe Memorial House, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Folk Art Center. For a taste of Asheville’s creative spirit, visitors can explore the River Arts District, where artists and craftspeople showcase their work in an old warehouse district.

But perhaps the biggest draw of Asheville is its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From hiking and camping to scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities, the mountains offer inexhaustible possibilities for adventure and exploration.

Durham and the Research Triangle

Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Durham is a vibrant city that combines the rich history of the American South with the intellectual energy of a college town. Visitors can take a tour of the Duke University campus, explore the historic American Tobacco Complex, or see a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

But what really sets Durham apart is its food scene. From food trucks to farm-to-table restaurants, the city boasts a wide variety of culinary delights. Some local favorites include the BBQ at The Pit, the ramen at Dashi, and the burgers at Only Burger.

For a dose of culture, visitors can check out the Nasher Museum of Art or the Carolina Theatre, which screens a mix of art, classic, and foreign films. And for a bit of outdoor recreation, the nearby Eno River State Park offers miles of hiking trails, swimming holes, and breathtaking scenery.

The Outer Banks

Stretching for over 100 miles along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands known for their endless beaches, unspoiled nature, and rich maritime history. Visitors can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the area’s aviation history, or climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for stunning ocean views.

The Outer Banks also has a surprisingly vibrant surfing scene, with numerous spots offering excellent waves for beginners and experts alike. And for a taste of local culture, visitors can check out the various small towns and villages that dot the coastline, each with their own unique character and charm.

Whether you’re looking for exciting city life, picturesque coastal towns, or breathtaking mountain vistas, North Carolina has something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover all the wonders of this beautiful state today!