Ever Forward

Here it is, going on 04:30 AM in Charlotte, and I’ve just received an e-mail that we hit the Code Orange for Particulate Matter (particle pollution, as opposed to ozone pollution) at 03:00 AM.  Particle pollution reached 101 AQI, meaning that it is just over the Code Orange mark.  And I have to admit, the 84% humidity isn’t helping any.  The temperature is 25C (77F), and the dew point is 22C (72F).  Ugh!  Now I’m gonna have to ride home after a double shift in this air.

Today was a Code Red ozone day for the 8-county Metrolina region that includes Charlotte.  Apparently, our region did not quite make the Code Red level, but the air quality authorities left the status at Red as a precaution.   The rest of the week looks to be at least Code Orange.

It is crucial that we get people to change their habits, as not doing so affects, not only our health, but also our local economy.  People with asthma, children and older adults are all directly affected by poor air quality.  Even healthy people are affected by poor air quality, especially when exerting themselves during the poor conditions.

Do what you can to change your habits.  If you can’t bike, carpool or take a bus, at least wait until after 6:00 PM to refill your gas tank.  Oh, and don’t ‘top-off’ your tank – once the handle clicks on the pump, just leave it at that.  All you’re really doing is wasting fuel and releasing more fumes into the air.

AQI Index