Shannon Culpepper North Carolina Division of Air Quality May 20, 2015 KNOW THE CODE! Learn about air pollution in North Carolina and how to protect your.

Shannon Culpepper

North Carolina Division of Air QualityMay 20, 2015

KNOW THE CODE!

Learn about air pollution in North Carolina and how

to protect your health.

Older Adults

Why Focus on Older Adults?

Older Adults

Older adult population in the US was 41.4 million in 2011. Population projected to be 83.7 million in 2050. About 45% of 65-74 reported that they engage in regular

leisure-time physical activity. NC ranks 9th in the population 60 and older.

Source: US Census An Aging Nation Report May 2014

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2012

Source: NC State Data Center 10.01.2013

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2025

Source: NC State Data Center 10.01.2013

Defining Older Adults

For our project: 55 years and older.

Older adults who are active, as well as those who have health issues that may be impacted by air quality.

Citizens who live in 33 specific counties.

Counties to Focus Efforts

Air Quality 101

The basics of air pollution in North Carolina

What is in the Air?

Nitrogen 78%

Oxygen 21%

Argon 0.9%

Carbon Dioxide 0.04%Other 0.06%

Six Criteria Air Pollutants

As defined by the Environmental

Protection Agency

1) Carbon monoxide (CO)

2) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

3) Lead (Pb)

4) Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)

5) Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

6) Ozone (03)

Point Sources Electric power plants, refineries, industries, etc.

Area Sources Dry cleaners, paints, solvents, etc.

On-Road Vehicles Cars, trucks, buses

Off-Road Vehicles Airplanes, trains, construction equipment

Sources of Air Pollutants

What is Particulate Matter?

Sources of Particulate Matter

Sources of PM 2.5 in NC, 2012*

Area Sources42%

Off-Road Vehicles12%

On-Road Ve-hicles17%

Electric Power Plants13%

Other Point Sources

16%

*Emissions measured in tons per year

What is Ground-Level Ozone?

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air.

Sources of NOX in NC, 2012*

Area Sources

13%

Off-Road Vehicles

12%

On-Road Vehicles53%

Electric Power Plants15%

Other Point Sources6%

*Emissions measured in tons per year

Cars and trucks are our #1

source of ozone in North Carolina

19

How air pollution affects your lungs and heart

Air Pollution and Your Health

Air Pollution and Your Lungs

Symptoms: Cough Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest congestion Aggravate asthma

Effects on Your Lungs

Abdominal mucus production Premature aging of the lungs Narrowing of the airways Decreased air flow Increase in white blood cells Fluid accumulation and swelling Death and shedding of the cells

that line the airways

Chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases

Air Pollution and Your Heart

Symptoms: Chest congestion Chest pain Irregular heart beats Shortness of breath

Effects on Your Heart

Unusual fatigueLow oxygen in red blood

cellsVascular inflammationIncreased risk of blood clotNarrowing of vesselsIncreased risk of plaque

rupture in arteries

How to Protect Your Health

Simple Steps To Take

Simple Steps to Protect Your Health

Plan outdoor activities for the morning or early evening.

Adjust when and where you exercise, as ozone pollution tends to be greatest during the hottest parts of the day.

Reduce an activity that requires heavy exertion to one with moderate exertion.

KNOW THE CODE!

27

Air Quality Forecast (Code)Air Quality Index Meaning

Good Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no concern. Go outside and enjoy the day!

Moderate There may be a moderate health concern for people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Older adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Unhealthy

Older adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience more serious health effects. Everyone may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Very Unhealthy Everyone is likely to be affected. Avoid all outdoors exertion.

How do you get the Forecast?

EPA: www.airnow.gov1

www.ncair.org 1-888-RU4NCAIR

(784-6224)

2

EnviroFlash: Air quality forecast to your inbox

3 4Get the app

for your phone

KNOW THE CODE!

Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

Outreach to Older Adults

Increase awareness and use of our air quality forecast system (code) to help older adults in North Carolina better plan their outdoor activities and take steps to protect their health.

Conduct outreach and education to older adults (Direct). Establish relationships with businesses and organizations

that provide services to older adults (Indirect).

Goal

Basic Objectives

What we have to offer

Educational Materials: Informational card Brochure Pamphlet Poster

Everything is free!

Promotional Materials: Bookmarks Magnets

Presentations: DAQ staff Air Jeopardy Do-it-yourself

Thank you!

Shannon CulpepperNC Division of Air QualityEnvironmental Specialist Email: [email protected]: (919) 707-8710

Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

www.ncair.org/airaware/knowthecode