Photo: PaulFleet / iStock / Getty Images
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a "code orange" Air Quality Action Day for ground-level ozone across several counties. Residents of Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, Union, Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, Middlesex, and Mercer counties should be prepared for elevated pollution levels that could impact public health.
The alert is in effect through Tuesday night, and the DEP advises sensitive individuals—including young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma—to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon and early evening hours when ozone levels are expected to peak.
Ground-level ozone, a significant component of smog, forms when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, and other sources react in sunlight. High temperatures and stagnant air conditions exacerbate its formation, making it particularly hazardous during warm weather.
Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause various health issues, particularly for sensitive groups. Symptoms include coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure may lead to more severe respiratory conditions. The DEP’s advisory aims to mitigate these risks by encouraging residents to take precautionary measures.
Residents are encouraged to limit activities that contribute to ozone formation. Suggestions include:
- Using Public Transportation: Opting for buses, trains, or carpooling to reduce vehicle emissions.
- Energy Conservation: Turning off unnecessary lights and appliances to decrease power plant emissions.
- Staying Indoors: Rescheduling outdoor activities to the early morning or late evening when ozone levels are lower.