The relationship between elevated air pollution (especially fine particulate matter and ozone) and compromised health has been well documented. Negative consequences of ambient air pollution include decreased lung function, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other adverse pulmonary effects. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter increases premature death risk among people age 65 and older, even when exposure is at levels below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These harmful particles can be directly emitted from sources such as forest fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries, and automobiles react in the air. Almost 65,000 premature US deaths were related to adverse effects of outdoor fine particulate matter, and minority populations and those living in poverty are more likely to be exposed.

For more information please visit, Air Pollution- Particulate Matter for Cabarrus County on the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings.

Air Pollution measures the particulate matter in the air. It reports the average daily density of fine particulate matter in micrograms per cubic meter. Fine particulate matter is defined as particles of air pollutants with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5).

To learn more about the Measure Methods, please visit the Air Pollution- Particulate Matter Measure Methods Section, on the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings Website.