RALEIGH – Because of the ongoing wildfires to the south and northwest, residents of Pasquotank and other area counties could experience unhealthy air quality today depending on wind directions, state officials said Tuesday.

The Evans Road wildfire in Hyde County and another fire in the Great Dismal Swamp are blanketing many coastal communities with heavy smoke that could contain high levels of particle pollution, officials with the N.C. Division of Air Quality said. Air quality monitors have measured very unhealthy air pollution levels in areas downwind of the fires.

Forecasters have predicted Code Red or Purple conditions – considered unhealthy to very unhealthy – today in all or parts of Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties. The forecast means people who are sensitive to air pollution should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Sensitive groups include the older adults and children; people with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema; and people who work or exercise outdoors. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

In addition, residents could experience Code Orange conditions — considered unhealthy for sensitive groups — in Chowan and Beaufort counties. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The primary pollutant of concern is fine particles, which include microscopic solids and liquid droplets in the air. Particles can be harmful to breathe and contribute to haze and other air quality problems. Air monitors in Washington and Belhaven have recorded peak hourly particle levels ranging from 1,100 to 2,150 micrograms per cubic meter — or from 30 to 60 times the 24-hour standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

Fine particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing or aggravating heart and lung diseases. Persons most susceptible to particle pollution include those with heart and respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children.

Symptoms of exposure to high particle levels include: irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest pain or tightness; shortness of breath; and asthma attacks. In extreme cases, particle pollution can cause heart attacks and premature death.