But North Carolinians in general and those in Western North Carolina in particular have less to worry about than they have in previous years, as ozone levels have been steadily decreasing over the past decade due to declining emissions and more stringent air quality standards. 

Currently, all areas of the state are now in compliance with air quality standards — even though the Environmental Protection Agency announced new standards in October 2015. All monitors in North Carolina are now measuring in compliance with the new standards. Designations will be finalized in 2017. 

“We are confident that North Carolina will continue its trend of improving air quality, but people should be aware of air forecasts,” said Sheila Holman, director of the state’s Division of Air Quality. 

Air quality forecasts are issued year-round for particle pollution and during the warmer months for ozone, which requires abundant sunlight and heat to form. Forecasts are available at www.ncair.org and on the smartphone app EPA AIRNow.