Thousands Urged To Stay Inside In Two States

Air pollution reaches 'unhealthy' levels in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:54am

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The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow Map is showing 'unhealthy' levels of ozone and fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina, prompting health officials to urge thousands of residents to limit outdoor activities.

Why it matters

Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, especially for sensitive groups like children, older adults, and those with certain medical conditions. Elevated pollution levels can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other adverse effects.

The details

The affected area encompasses the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg in South Carolina, as well as a portion of neighboring North Carolina. When air quality reaches the 'unhealthy' level, EPA guidelines recommend that sensitive groups avoid long or intense outdoor activities and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. The rest of the population is advised to reduce long or intense activities and take more breaks during outdoor activities.

  • The 'unhealthy' air quality was reported early on Friday morning, March 27, 2026.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, including monitoring and regulating air quality.

AirNow

A partnership program that provides the public with easy-to-understand air quality information, including real-time data on air pollution levels.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of monitoring air quality and taking appropriate precautions to protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations, when pollution levels reach concerning thresholds.