ENVIROSCAN brings together data on the environment, health, and communities across North Carolina. This page provides more detail on what each metric represents, why it matters, and where the data comes from.
You can also find detailed descriptions of the datasets included in our data dictionary here.
Air
ENVIROSCAN includes data on air quality to help you understand conditions across North Carolina.
Why does this matter?
Air pollution can affect breathing, heart health, and overall well-being.
Which indicators can I explore?
Ozone
What is it?
Ozone is a gas made of three oxygen atoms. Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles, power plants, and industry react with sunlight, and levels are often highest on hot, sunny days.
Why does this matter?
Ozone exposure can irritate the lungs, cause coughing and difficulty breathing, and worsen conditions such as asthma.
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PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter)
What is it?
PM2.5 refers to very small particles in the air, including dust, smoke, and chemical particles, that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Why does this matter?
These particles can travel into the lungs and bloodstream and are linked to respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular effects.
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Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
What is it?
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a gas produced from burning fuels, including emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources.
Why does this matter?
NO₂ exposure can irritate the airways, worsen asthma, and contribute to the formation of other air pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter.
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Water
ENVIROSCAN includes data on contaminants in private well water.
Why does this matter?
Because private well water is not federally regulated, water quality can vary and may be at risk for contamination.
Learn more: NC Department of Health and Human Services: Private Wells Program
Which indicators can I explore?
Arsenic
What is it?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can enter groundwater through geological and anthropogenic sources.
Why does this matter?
Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and impacts on child development.
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Cadmium
What is it?
Cadmium is a metal that can enter water through natural sources and industrial activities.
Why does this matter?
Exposure over time can affect kidney function and bone health.
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Lead
What is it?
Lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water through pipes, plumbing materials, or environmental contamination.
Why does this matter?
Lead exposure can affect brain development in children and contribute to cardiovascular and kidney problems in adults.
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Manganese
What is it?
Manganese is an essential nutrient that can be harmful when present at elevated levels in drinking water.
Why does this matter?
High exposure may affect neurological development and function, particularly in children.
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Climate
ENVIROSCAN includes climate indicators that describe environmental conditions over time.
Why does this matter?
Climate conditions can influence environmental exposures and local conditions.
Which indicators can I explore?
Mean Temperature
What is it?
Mean temperature represents the average temperature over a specified period, such as annually or seasonally.
Why does this matter?
Temperature patterns can influence heat exposure, seasonal conditions, and environmental processes.
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Wildfire Hazard Potential
What is it?
Wildfire hazard potential is an index that estimates the likelihood and potential intensity of wildfires based on vegetation, climate, and landscape characteristics.
Why does this matter?
Wildfires can impact air quality, infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
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Sources of Pollution
ENVIROSCAN includes data on locations that may contribute to environmental contamination.
Why does this matter?
These data help identify where pollutants may originate.
Which indicators can I explore?
Superfund Sites
What is it?
Superfund sites are locations identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that require cleanup due to hazardous contamination.
Why does this matter?
These sites may affect surrounding land and water and can be sources of environmental contamination.
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Animal Feeding Operations
What is it?
This metric represents the number of animals at permitted livestock and poultry operations.
Why does this matter?
Large animal operations can contribute to air and water pollution through waste and emissions if not properly managed.
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Health Outcomes
ENVIROSCAN includes selected health indicators across North Carolina.
Why does this matter?
Health data provide context for understanding patterns across place.
Which indicators can I explore?
Asthma
What is it?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Why does this matter?
Asthma can be influenced by environmental exposures such as air pollution and allergens.
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Diabetes
What is it?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar.
Why does this matter?
Diabetes is influenced by a range of factors, including environment, behavior, and access to care.
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Preterm Birth
What is it?
Preterm birth refers to babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Why does this matter?
Preterm birth is associated with increased risks of infant health complications and long-term outcomes.
More information
- Learn more: CDC: Preterm Birth
Sociodemographic Indicators
ENVIROSCAN includes data on social and demographic characteristics to help describe who lives in an area.
Why does this matter?
These indicators provide context for understanding patterns in environmental and health data. Certain groups of people, including those living in poverty and certain racial or ethnic groups, can be disproportionately burdened by exposure to pollution in the environment, and as result, at greater risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes.
Which indicators can I explore?
Low Income
What is it?
Percentage of people with income below the federal poverty threshold (based on family size and age).
Why does this matter?
Income can influence access to healthcare, housing, and other resources.
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Education
What is it?
Percentage of adults age 25 and older without a high school diploma (or equivalent).
Why does this matter?
Educational attainment is closely linked to employment opportunities, income, and health literacy.
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Race & Ethnicity
What is it?
Percentage of the population by race (e.g., Black, White, Asian) and ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino).
Why does this matter?
Helps describe community composition and context.
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Linguistic Isolation
What is it?
Households where all members age 14+ speak English less than “very well.”
Why does this matter?
Language can affect access to information and services.
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Minority Status and Language: Over Age 64
What is it?
Percentage of the population age 65 and older.
Why does this matter?
Older adults may be more vulnerable to environmental exposures due to age-related changes in health and increased prevalence of chronic conditions.
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Minority Status and Language: Under Age 5
What is it?
Percentage of the population under age 5.
Why does this matter?
Young children are particularly sensitive to environmental exposures because their bodies and organ systems are still developing. Early-life exposures can have lasting impacts on health, making it important to understand where young children are concentrated.
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