Fairview (Buncombe County) and air quality (Charlotte, Raleigh: houses, dorm, allergies)

[jmackay54]

We've spotted a couple of nice houses in this area, about 11 miles from Asheville. Our concern is air quality - one site gives it a 35 (1-100, with 100 being the best air). The same site gives Asheville a 45 and Marshall an 89. Can someone who lives in Fairview share their thoughts re the air quality there? JM

[gailtoo]

Originally Posted by jmackay54

We've spotted a couple of nice houses in this area, about 11 miles from Asheville. Our concern is air quality - one site gives it a 35 (1-100, with 100 being the best air). The same site gives Asheville a 45 and Marshall an 89. Can someone who lives in Fairview share their thoughts re the air quality there? JM

Asheville and its surrounding areas have some of the worst air quality in the US because of coal operations in nearby states. You can do a search under 'Asheville North Carolina air quality" to learn about it.

[VBmom]

I live in Fairview and do not see any problem with our air quality. There has been a haze over the mountains heading into Asheville in the past few weeks but I would not consider that a Fairview issue. It is clear and beautiful at my house.

[Bye Bye Florida]

Fairview is one of the great places to invest in NOW. It's still a little sleepy but it's a quick ride to almost anywhere. I know a few people investing in older homes there to prepare for renovating them and the eventual recovery in the area in around five year. Fairview is a great location.

[Asheville Native]

Well I really doubt that Fairview is exempt, as the poor air quality is effecting the majority of the state, including the mountains.

It is bright and sunny at my house, but I can't see Mt. Pisgah, much less the tower on the peak, which is often quite visible.

Air quality unhealthy at high elevations | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times

[VBmom]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

Well I really doubt that Fairview is exempt, as the poor air quality is effecting the majority of the state, including the mountains.

It is bright and sunny at my house, but I can't see Mt. Pisgah, much less the tower on the peak, which is often quite visible.

Air quality unhealthy at high elevations | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-Times

I am sure the studies are correct and I am not saying Fairview is perfect from an air quality standpoint but...I do not have any problems with my windows open, I exercise outside every day with out issues and I have a severely asthmatic son who doesn't seem to have anymore issues living here than he did anywhere else. So from my own, small, personal perspective, I would say it was a non issue for anyone wanting to move here.

[lovesroses]

Just curious, does the tv weather report announce if its going to be a high ozone day? Here in Houston they will announce an "ozone alert" so the elderly and young children can stay inside, and outdoor exercise can be avoided.

It may sound silly, but I never leave the house anymore without sunscreen on my face and arms, even on cloudy days.

[cooperwx]

That's sad. Asheville and surroundings have actually had fewer air quality alert day this year than Charlotte or Raleigh. We have less local origin pollution, but more pollution drifting over our area from other areas in the region. With a west/northwest wind we get the TVA (TN Valley Authority) power plant pollution, and with a south wind we get the leftovers from the Atlanta area.

Do asthmatics respond to different things in the air? Ozone, Fine Particulates, Pollen, ragweed, mold spores, etc.? Or am I thinking about allergies?

Lastly, we may not notice it on a day-to-day basis, but air pollution takes its toll on all of us over time.

[VBmom]

Originally Posted by cooperwx

That's sad. Asheville and surroundings have actually had fewer air quality alert day this year than Charlotte or Raleigh. We have less local origin pollution, but more pollution drifting over our area from other areas in the region. With a west/northwest wind we get the TVA (TN Valley Authority) power plant pollution, and with a south wind we get the leftovers from the Atlanta area.

Do asthmatics respond to different things in the air? Ozone, Fine Particulates, Pollen, ragweed, mold spores, etc.? Or am I thinking about allergies?

Lastly, we may not notice it on a day-to-day basis, but air pollution takes its toll on all of us over time.

I can only speak for my asthmatic...he is affected by pollen, dust, mold, smoke, pollution and a whole host of things environmental. We all went to L.A. a few years back and he ended up in the hospital within 2 days. Same thing happened in Fla. during the late 90's when we had a lot of forest fires in the area. He also had one of his worst years ever during his freshman year at App. State. I think that was the nastiness that is a men's dorm room!

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by lovesroses

Just curious, does the tv weather report announce if its going to be a high ozone day? Here in Houston they will announce an "ozone alert" so the elderly and young children can stay inside, and outdoor exercise can be avoided.

The Asheville TV station does give "air quality" reports as part of the weather report. They provide the air quality for the valleys and the peaks (above 4200 feet I believe), and are often different. The fact that peaks are often worse is an indicator that this is an imported problem from other parts of the country.