Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook are urging city residents to take precautions during the air quality alert issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The alert is expected to remain in effect through 11 p.m. tonight.

Due to ground-level ozone and smoke from Canadian wildfires, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to register at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Sensitive individuals, including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time outdoors. During this period of unhealthy air, residents who go outside are strongly encouraged to wear masks (N95 or KN95) and cover their noses and mouths.

To protect yourself from the current poor air quality, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) advises:

• Staying indoors as much as possible.
• Keeping your windows closed.
• Using an air purifier if possible.
• If you must go outside, limit your physical activity and wear a mask for any extended period of exposure.

These guidelines should be followed by anyone who is at risk, particularly sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other lung diseases and respiratory conditions.

The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to monitor the air quality and will issue updates as needed throughout the alert.

For more information, please visit the NJDEP website at www.nj.gov/dep.

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