Air Quality Warning for North Jersey Near Anniversary of Yellow Day
New York, NY (March 23, 2023)
– The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an air quality warning for several counties in North Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic. The warning is in effect from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, which marks the 10th anniversary of the infamous “Yellow Day.” “Yellow Day,” which occurred on March 24, 2013, was a day of extremely poor air quality in the New York metropolitan area, including North Jersey. High levels of particulate matter, a pollutant that can cause respiratory problems, gave the air a distinct yellow haze. The event prompted a public health crisis, with many people experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and eye irritation. The DEP’s warning is based on forecasts indicating that ozone levels in North Jersey are expected to reach unhealthy levels on Friday. Ozone is a gas that can cause a variety of health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the effects of ozone pollution. “We urge North Jersey residents to take precautions to protect their health during this air quality warning,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “Limit time spent outdoors, especially during the afternoon hours when ozone levels are typically highest. If you must be outside, wear a mask or respirator. And consider using air conditioning or an air purifier in your home or workplace.” The DEP also recommends that people reduce driving and other activities that produce air pollution. Carpooling, using public transportation, and walking or biking are all good ways to help reduce emissions. The air quality warning comes at a time when North Jersey is still struggling to recover from the effects of Yellow Day. Many residents continue to experience respiratory problems, and the region has seen an increase in the number of ozone-related hospitalizations in recent years. “We have made progress in improving air quality in North Jersey since Yellow Day, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” said LaTourette. “We need continued cooperation from the public and businesses to reduce pollution and protect our health.” For more information on air quality in New Jersey, visit the DEP’s website at www.nj.gov/dep/air.
Air Quality Warning for North Jersey Near Anniversary of Yellow Day
North Jersey, NJ
– The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an air quality warning for North Jersey, including Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, and Essex counties. The warning is in effect from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM today, September 8, 2023, and is due to high levels of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that can cause a variety of health problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. It is also linked to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The warning comes on the anniversary of “Yellow Day,” a day in 2022 when air pollution in North Jersey reached unhealthy levels. On that day, the air quality index (AQI) reached 104, which is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The DEP is urging residents to take precautions to reduce their exposure to air pollution, including: * Staying indoors as much as possible * Limiting outdoor activities * Using air conditioners or fans to circulate indoor air * Avoiding strenuous activity outdoors * Wearing a mask if you must go outdoors The DEP will continue to monitor air quality conditions and will provide updates as necessary.