To the Hudson County Community:
Wondering why the sky is so hazy and the air smells like you are sitting around a campfire? The wildfires in Canada that have led to an air quality alert being issued from Hudson County officials for multiple states. There has also been a wildfire reported in Jackson, NJ.
Wildfires release a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere. The smoke generated from wildfires contains fine particulate matter, which enters the lungs and causes health issues such as asthma and bronchitis. Please read the attached tips and resources below on how to reduce your smoke exposure and learn more about protecting the health of you and your loved ones.
As we are in the summer season, we have also provided tips and resources regarding what actions you should take should you encounter a wildfire in your area. Stay safe!
Credit – Hudson Regional Health Commission
Resources:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/smoke.html
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/health-effects-attributed-wildfire-smoke
https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/why-wildfire-smoke-health-concern
AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/ to find out about the air quality in your area.
https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-and-health/fires-and-your-health/
https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-guide-factsheets/
American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/blog/how-wildfires-affect-health#:~:text=Wildfire%20smoke%20can%20be%20extremely,protect%20yourself%20from%20wildfire%20smoke