New Jersey Health Department urges residents to stay indoors as wildfire smoke degrades air quality
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Health is urging residents to limit outdoor activity and take precautions as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to cause unhealthy air quality and hazy skies across the state.
Health officials warned that wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease or other chronic health conditions are considered especially vulnerable.
“I urge everyone to monitor their local air quality conditions, stay indoors as much as possible during this time, and know the symptoms of smoke inhalation,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. ”Short-term exposure to wildfire smoke and poor air quality poses real health risks. Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat or have difficulty breathing when air quality reaches the unhealthy levels currently affecting New Jersey.”
The department recommends that people at higher risk remain indoors with windows and doors closed, use air conditioning on recirculation mode or a HEPA air purifier, avoid creating additional indoor air pollution, and wear a properly fitted N95 mask if they must spend time outdoors.
Residents are also encouraged to monitor local Air Quality Index conditions through AirNow.gov or the New Jersey Air Monitoring program, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor, check on vulnerable neighbors and family members, and keep pets indoors whenever possible.
Health officials said symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure can include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, irritated eyes, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, including chest pain, difficulty breathing or worsening asthma, should seek immediate medical attention.
