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 health.

Older Adults Why Focus on Older Adults?

Older Adults  Older adult population in the US was 41.4 million in  Population projected to be 83.7 million in  About 45% of reported that they engage in regular leisure-time physical activity.  NC ranks 9 th 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

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2025 Source: NC State Data Center

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 Dioxide0.04% Other0.06%

Six Criteria Air Pollutants As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency 1)Carbon monoxide (CO) 2)Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) 3)Lead (Pb) 4)Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) 5)Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ) 6)Ozone (0 3 )

 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* *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* *Emissions measured in tons per year

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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 fatigue  Low oxygen in red blood cells  Vascular inflammation  Increased risk of blood clot  Narrowing of vessels  Increased 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 IndexMeaning 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: RU4NCAIR ( ) EnviroFlash: Air quality forecast to your inbox Get 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 Culpepper NC Division of Air Quality Environmental Specialist Phone: (919) Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults knowthecode