News

Nov 24, 2023

Is it safe to go outside as wildfire smoke stifles New Jersey?

UPDATE: N.J. smoke misery meter hits red ‘unhealthy’ stage with air quality

UPDATE: N.J. smoke misery meter hits red ‘unhealthy’ stage with air quality plummeting

New Jerseyans are dealing with levels of pollution "not seen in years" on Wednesday and shouldn't spend much time outside due to unhealthy air from Canadian wildfire smoke, according to health and weather experts.

In general, people should stay indoors as much as they can while keeping windows and vents closed. Outdoor strenuous activity should be avoided, too, and those with respiratory or pulmonary issues should be extra cautious. Many schools are curtailing outdoor recess, canceling class trips and keeping students inside all day.

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the entire state of New Jersey was listed as having "unhealthy" air quality for all residents, not just those with asthma or respiratory issues, according to the latest air quality map issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.EPA

Those who do venture outside are advised to keep it short and return inside as soon as possible, a meteorologist said.

"Most people are going to feel it — your eyes will water and you can feel kind of a tickle in your throat and it’ll feel dry, National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Dodd said. "Is it particularly harmful for you to be outside for a brief period of time and do something like go to your car (or) walk down the block and grab the mail? It's OK to — just as little exposure as you can is the general idea."

Wind is carrying Canadian wildfire smoke from Quebec low through the eastern U.S., leading to hazy skies, acrid smells and potentially hazardous air quality.AccuWeather

Dodd said even those in good physical condition should probably take the day off from outdoor activity.

"Not a good idea for even someone who's in shape to go out and run — there will be other days," Dodd said.

Khalil Savary, a pediatric pulmonologist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said the air is as unhealthy as it's been in a long time.

"Particle air pollution in New Jersey and across the region has reached levels not seen in many years," Savary said .

Savary recommended that those who have an N95 mask wear it outside on Wednesday as air quality is at unhealthy levels.

"Surgical masks, cloth masks, and ill-fitting N95 masks are not effective protective equipment," he said. Windows and vents should also be closed to prevent outside air from entering homes, Savary said.

The National Weather Service advises New Jerseyans to limit time outdoors on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 to poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada.National Weather Service

Weather experts such as Dodd say the winds blowing smoke south from Canada will need to shift or a soaking rain will have to fall before the haze and smoke enveloping New Jersey will clear fully.

Air quality on Wednesday is expected to be the worst in the northern half of the state until the afternoon. In the evening, South Jersey might have the poorest air quality, though.

Officials across the state — from Gov. Phil Murphy to local officials — echoed the message about staying inside and avoiding vigorous exercise.

"As conditions worsen statewide, I strongly urge all sensitive individuals — including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young – to stay safe and limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors today," Murphy said in a statement.

A vibrant sun hangs in the haze of Canadian wildfire smoke over the Lehigh Valley on June 6, 2023.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor

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