State officials warn residents about unhealthy air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves across the region
New Jersey health officials are urging residents to take precautions as smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada continues to affect air quality across the state, creating hazy skies and raising health concerns for vulnerable groups.
The New Jersey Department of Health issued an air quality advisory on July 17, warning that wildfire smoke contains fine particles and gases that can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington said that even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Officials emphasized that children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, COPD, or other chronic health conditions face a greater risk from prolonged exposure.
Health officials recommend limiting outdoor activity
Residents are encouraged to reduce time outdoors, especially during periods when air quality is poor. Officials recommend keeping windows and doors closed, using air conditioning with fresh-air intake turned off, maintaining clean filters, and using air purifiers when available.
The Department of Health also advised residents to avoid activities that can increase indoor air pollution, including smoking, burning candles, using aerosol sprays, and vacuuming while smoke levels remain elevated.
Protecting yourself and your family
For those who must spend extended time outdoors, officials recommend wearing a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
Pet owners are also encouraged to keep animals indoors when conditions are poor and limit intense outdoor activity for pets and livestock.
Residents can monitor current air quality conditions through AirNow.gov and New Jersey’s air monitoring network for updates.
The advisory applies statewide, with smoke impacts being reported across many communities as weather conditions continue to change.
Source: New Jersey Department of Health.
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