New Jersey Department of Health Cautions Public to Stay Indoors, Take Precautions As Wildfire Smoke Causes Poor Air Quality

TRENTON, NJ - As smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to drift across the state and region causing unhealthy air quality levels and hazy skies, New Jersey Department of Health advises the public to limit outdoor exposure and to take steps to protect their health.

"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."

Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material. Particles from wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems and other adverse health outcomes, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with asthma, heart disease, respiratory disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD), or other chronic health conditions.

People at a higher risk should take protective actions, which include the following steps:

• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed and use air conditioning (with fresh air intake closed and a clean filter) or air purifiers.
• Prevent further indoor air pollution by not smoking, using candles, sprays, or vacuuming.
• People who must be outside, or if it is not possible to avoid exposure to wildfire smoke, can have some protection using an N95 mask if worn properly.
• Advise limiting or shifting outdoor, high-exertion activities.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Monitor local Air Quality Index (AQI) updates. Individuals can check current air quality conditions at AirNow.gov or sign up for local air quality alerts at NJ Air Monitoring.
• Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is poor.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning on recirculation mode or operate a HEPA air purifier indoors.
• Wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator outdoors if extended exposure to smoky conditions is unavoidable, especially for individuals who work outdoors.
• Check on neighbors, older adults, and others who may be especially vulnerable to poor air quality.
• Know the signs of the health effects of wildfire smoke, which can include coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, headaches, and tiredness.
• Protect your pets by keeping them indoors, making water available at all times. Pet birds are particularly susceptible to smoke.
• Protect large animals and livestock from wildfire smoke by limiting activities that require effort.

Individuals experiencing severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or worsening asthma should seek medical attention immediately.

Resources:

• Actions to Protect Health on Poor Air Quality Days [English] [Spanish]
• AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map for map of fires throughout North America.
• NOAA's Fire Weather Outlook for fire watches and warnings.
• EPA's Wildfire Smoke and Health Factsheets
• CDC's Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke