Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook are urging Newark residents to take precautions during an air quality alert issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The alert is expected to last through midnight tonight.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to reach unhealthy levels due to a combination of ground-level ozone and smoke from Canadian wildfires. Residents, especially those with heart or lung disease, respiratory illnesses, or other underlying health conditions, should wear a mask when outdoors.
To protect yourself from the poor air quality, the NJDEP advises:
• Staying indoors as much as possible.
• Keeping your windows closed.
• Using an air purifier if you have one.
• Limiting physical activity and wearing a mask for any extended outdoor exposure.
These guidelines are especially important for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other lung and respiratory conditions.
The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue monitoring the air quality and will provide updates as needed.
For more information, please visit the NJDEP website at https://dep.nj.gov/airquality/.
