Triangle Pollution Source Information on the Web

The word “pollution” is a broad term that refers to many types of gases, droplets and particles. The major air pollution types affecting the Triangle are:

• Ground-level Ozone
• Carbon Monoxide
• Particulate Matter
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
• Sulfur Dioxides (SO2)
• Lead
• Mercury
• Greenhouse gases

Ground-level Ozone:
Ground-level ozone is created by a chemical reaction that takes place when pollutants from cars, power plants and other sources combine in high temperatures and exposure to sunlight.
National Ground-level trend report

Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete burning.
National CO trend report

Particulate Matter (PM)
Particle pollution is made up of very small solids and liquids that are in the air.  Sources of particle pollution include road dust, industrial manufacturing, power plants, forest fires and residential wood burning.
Inventories of particulate matter are only derived from national inventory into which the states gave data.
National PM trend report

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
NOx contribute to a wide range of environmental effects directly and when combined with other precursors in acid rain and ozone.
National NOx trend report

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Together, SO2 and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) are the major precursors to acidic deposition (acid rain).
National SO2 trend report

Lead
Formally an additive in gasoline, lead air emissions were greatly reduced due to USEPA mandated removal of lead in gasoline.
National Lead trend report

Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases consist primarily of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide and contribute to climate change.

Monitoring Information on the Web

Historical Air Quality Monitoring Data
A good resource for summaries and comparisons of monitoring data.

Current Air Monitoring Data
Offers up-to-the-hour data about the air pollution outside.

Haze Cameras throughout the State
Haze Cams offer views from 12 locations throughout the State.

Mobile Sources/On Board Diagnostic Testing
This section of the NC Division of Air Quality site covers mobile source emission reduction grants, vehicle inspection and maintenance and much, much more.