Canadian wildfires' smoke — again — over New Jersey and other states
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is, once again, drifting over New Jersey this week.
Officials have issued warnings, cautioning that some areas might experience minor impacts on air quality due to this phenomenon.
Forecasters in the affected region indicate that hazy conditions are likely to persist throughout the week. The conditions of air quality are overall moderate for the state of New Jersey, with Hudson, Bergen, Union, Monmouth, Burlington and Camden counties registering the most pollution.
Other cities in different parts of the country are also reporting variations in air quality readings due to the drifting smoke, which could be observed, in satellite images, traveling along the East Coast and reaching Florida and Louisiana in satellite images.
In New Jersey, the air quality index today stands at 69. Levels exceeding 100 are known to cause adverse health effects, but officials have cautioned that even lower levels could impact individuals sensitive to air pollution.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reported some unhealthy air quality levels late on Sunday. And Central Florida air quality is currently classified as unhealthy.
What is the air quality index?
The air quality index, or AQI, is a standardized rating system that assesses the severity of air pollution on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it calculates this index by evaluating five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
Among these, ground-level ozone and particle matter, commonly referred to as particle pollution, are the most significant threats to public health. When it comes to wildfire haze, most of it is particle pollution.
Who is vulnerable to poor air quality?
Children under 18, elderly individuals, people with chronic lung or heart illnesses, pregnant individuals and people with diabetes are considered sensitive groups when it comes to air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Also, people who spend prolonged periods outside working or exercising are susceptible to air pollution as well.
How do you protect yourself from air pollution?
Limit outdoor time to less than 30 minutes, and reduce the intensity of physical activity while outdoors.
Wear a facemask. The American Lung Association recommends a well-fitted N95 or KN95 masks.
Keep indoor air clean. Keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioning on recirculating mode and employ a portable HEPA air purifier if possible.
Air quality index as of Wednesday morning:
Asbury Park: 65 - moderate
Toms River: 56 - moderate
Atlantic City: 45 - good
Trenton: 70 - moderate
Newark: 71 - moderate
Jersey City: 75 - moderate
Burlington: 76 - moderate
Freehold: 72 - moderate
Jackson: 63 - moderate
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Canadian forest fires 2023: Smoke from Canada back in New Jersey
