Power plants and motor vehicles are the main sources of ozone-forming pollution in North Carolina. Suspended particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less and is measured in micrograms per cubic meter. The PM2.5 value shown is an hourly average. There is no hourly ambient air standard. The 24-hour standard is 65 micrograms per cubic meter.
Fine particulates are an even greater health concern than larger particulate matter.
That's because fine particulates are not easily trapped by the respiratory system and can penetrate more deeply into the lungs. Fine particles also play a large role in reducing visibility. Contact Webmaster with questions or comments regarding this site.