Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, including pollutants from burning materials like wood, plastics, and metals. While New Jersey experiences local brush and forest fires, major smoke events often originate from distant regions, such as Canada or the Western United States. Atmospheric conditions play a significant role in transporting these smoke plumes across continents.
Understanding Wildfire Smoke in New Jersey
Wildfire smoke often travels thousands of miles to reach New Jersey, carried by large-scale weather patterns. The jet stream, a fast-flowing air current high in the atmosphere, can transport smoke plumes across North America. When its flow becomes erratic, it can redirect smoke southwards, leading to significant air pollution in New Jersey.
High-pressure systems can also influence smoke transport, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. While local fires, such as the Jones Road fire in the Pine Barrens, contribute to air quality degradation, the most widespread smoke events in New Jersey typically stem from distant sources. Visible signs of smoke include a widespread hazy sky, a distinct smoky odor, and reduced visibility.
Health Effects of Smoke Exposure
Fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, is the primary health concern in wildfire smoke. These particles are incredibly small, about 30 times smaller than a human hair, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Common symptoms of smoke exposure include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, stinging eyes, and headaches. A Rutgers study found that during the 2023 Canadian wildfire smoke event, asthma-related emergency visits in New Jersey increased by 112% in a single day.
Vulnerable populations face a heightened risk from smoke exposure. This group includes children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease. Exposure to PM2.5 can exacerbate existing diseases and contribute to acute respiratory symptoms even in otherwise healthy individuals. Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke has also been linked to an increased risk of heart failure, particularly in older adults and women.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home from Smoke
During periods of wildfire smoke, staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities is a primary recommendation. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. If you have an air conditioning system, setting it to “recirculate” mode can help filter indoor air without drawing in outside pollutants.
Using air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can significantly improve indoor air quality. These filters capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including fine particulate matter from smoke. If you have a central HVAC system, installing a high-efficiency filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of 13 or higher can also help. Changing these filters more often than recommended during smoky periods is advisable.
When outdoor air quality is poor, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors. If brief outdoor excursions are necessary, wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 mask can offer some protection against inhaling fine particles. Additionally, avoid activities that worsen indoor air quality, such as burning candles or incense, using gas or wood-burning stoves, spraying aerosol products, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
Staying Informed on Air Quality
Accessing real-time air quality information is important during wildfire smoke events. Official sources like AirNow.gov provide data on air quality across the United States, offering daily forecasts and current Air Quality Index (AQI) ratings.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) also provides air quality alerts and data for the state. The Air Quality Index (AQI) uses a color-coded system and numbers to communicate air quality and associated health recommendations. For example, an AQI value below 100 is generally considered safe (green or yellow), while values above 100 indicate unhealthy air quality, first for sensitive groups (orange), and then for everyone as numbers rise (red, purple, maroon). Regularly checking these reports allows individuals to make informed decisions about their activities and protective measures.