Code Orange pollution in Triangle today

RALEIGH -- Air quality officials have issued a Code Orange forecast for the Triangle today, meaning pollution may make the air unhealthy for sensitive groups.

People who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid moderate exertion outdoors in the afternoon, the state Division of Air Quality said. Sensitive groups include children and the elderly who are active outside, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

The primary pollutant of concern is ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen. High ozone levels generally occur on hot sunny days with stagnant air, when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react in the lower atmosphere, the air quality officials said.

Ozone levels today are expected to exceed the new federal standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm), averaged more than 8 hours.

Air quality officials are asking residents of Wake, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Catawba, Cumberland, Forsyth, Nash, Edgecombe and surrounding counties to help reduce air pollution by taking some of these steps:

. Limit driving by riding the bus, walking, bicycling or postponing trips.

. If you drive, avoid idling for long periods, stay within speed limits, combine errands to reduce the number of small trips and use vehicles with higher fuel economies.

. Conserve electricity by setting thermostats at the highest comfortable temperature and turning off appliances that are not in use.

In addition, residents of affected areas should refrain from outdoor burning.