What time of year is particle pollution a problem?
[Back to Top] Unlike ozone, particle pollution occurs year-round, and particle pollution levels can be high inside or outside. When particle pollution levels are high it is important to limit physical activity, even if that activity occurs indoors. Unusual events sometimes increase particle pollution to high levels. Occasionally a plume of smoke from a distant forest fire will elevate local particle levels. After the December 2002 ice storm, many Triangle area residents without electricity burned wood for warmth. At the same time, an atmospheric inversion concentrated the wood smoke, resulting in Code Red particle pollution levels in the Triangle.
