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Somerville, NJ – In recognition of Air Quality Awareness Week, May 6-10, the Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) reminds residents of the importance of clean air to health. Poor air quality can cause serious health issues, and vigilance is necessary as air pollution can change from good to hazardous daily, and even throughout the day.
“As we saw last year with the Canadian wildfires, New Jersey can have unhealthy air quality that impacts everyone regardless of underlying health issues,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the SCDOH. “But for those with lung or heart disease, New Jersey’s daily fluctuations in air quality can be hazardous, and being aware of outdoor air quality daily can improve and even save lives.”
Unhealthy air affects everyone, but for people with respiratory diseases, even low particulate levels can make breathing more difficult. This is especially true for those who have asthma, heart disease, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as well as the very young and older adults.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a guide for reporting daily air quality that measures five major air pollutants, rating it from good to hazardous. The higher the AQI value, the greater level of air pollution and concern for overall health. Get local, up-to-date air quality information by visiting: www.airnow.gov or subscribing to EnviroFlash for alerts about your daily air quality forecast.
On days when pollution levels are elevated and the air quality is poor, individuals should take steps to protect their health, including:
- Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity or exercise.
- For those who work outdoors, take breaks indoors and shorten the length/intensity of any physical activity.
- Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with the fresh-air intake closed and using clean filters.
- Populations at most risk should remain indoors. Those with respiratory diseases should follow their doctor’s recommendations.
- Do not use candles or fireplaces, vacuum, or smoke tobacco or other products because it could add to indoor air pollution.
- For those who need to be outside, wearing an N95 mask properly can offer some protection.
- Check on anyone who is more at risk and carefully monitor children.
For more information on air quality, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Environmental Protection Agency, or the New Jersey Department of Health.
Somerset County Department of Health is the lead agency for environmental health compliance and enforcement in Somerset County. In conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the SCDOH strives to protect the quality of air through compliance inspections and enforcement actions of facilities subject to air pollution regulations.
For more information on the environmental health program and resources, visit https://bit.ly/44uSGCy
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