Code Orange Air Quality Alert Declared In NJ

NEW JERSEY ? Wildfire smoke from Canada has triggered a code orange air quality alert across much of the Garden State Thursday.

The alert is in effect for Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Passaic and Union counties all day.

"Hot temperatures, mostly sunny skies, and light southwest to westerly winds are forecast for Thursday as the region remains under the influence of high pressure," according to AirNow.Gov, which tracks the Air Quality Index (AQI). "These conditions will allow ozone to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category in areas along and south of the I-95 corridor."

Code orange means that the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, seniors, people with asthma and people with lung/heart diseases. Those groups may want to minimize strenuous activity and time spent outdoors, according to the National Weather Service.

New Jersey's AQI is forecast to reach 105 Thursday. Code orange stretches between 101 and 150.

Ozone forms when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between airborne pollutants like nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. While these ozone-forming pollutants typically come from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke can also contribute to their presence. Ozone pollution is most prevalent in densely populated regions, where traffic and industrial activity are concentrated.

Residents and businesses within the alert area are strongly encouraged to voluntarily help reduce ozone air pollution by driving less by carpooling or using public transportation, reducing vehicle trips and limiting engine idling, and refueling cars and trucks after dusk. Additionally, residents are asked to conserve electricity by setting air conditions to a higher temperature and turning off lights that are not in use.