New Jersey air quality unhealthy due to Canadian wildfire smoke; American Lung Association shares six health tips
NEW JERSEY — Air quality across the New Jersey region has reached unhealthy levels this weekend due to smoke drifting south from wildfires burning in Canada, according to the American Lung Association.
The organization is urging residents—especially children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions—to take precautions to protect their health during the air quality alert.
“Wildfire smoke can significantly worsen air pollution, and breathing in the fine particles it carries can lead to serious health issues,” said officials from the American Lung Association.
To help New Jerseyans stay safe, the organization offered six key tips:
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Stay indoors: Remain inside when advised, especially if you’re in an area under air quality alerts.
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Protect indoor air: Shut doors, windows, and fireplace dampers. Use air conditioners on recirculation mode and consider setting up a clean air room.
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Monitor symptoms: If you experience difficulty breathing, coughing, or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
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Take precautions for children: Kids are more susceptible to polluted air because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their size.
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Skip the dust mask: Cloth masks and standard dust masks won’t block harmful particles. N-95 or N-100 respirators are more effective but may not be suitable for everyone.
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Ask for help: The Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA offers free support from nurses and respiratory therapists for anyone with concerns about lung health or smoke exposure.
More information on wildfire smoke and how to protect your lungs is available at Lung.org/wildfires.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and recommend residents check real-time air quality updates through local health departments and AirNow.gov.
