Smoke from wildfires keeps making N.J.s air quality worse. It may be a warning sign.

Published: Friday, April 25, 2025 at 6:40 pm

Wildfires and Air Quality: New Jersey's Air Under Threat

New Jersey residents are facing a familiar foe: unhealthy air quality. This week, air quality alerts were issued in several counties due to smoke from the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, which has burned over 15,000 acres. The American Lung Association (ALA) warns that this is just the latest in a series of events impacting the state's air, with the 2023 Canadian wildfires significantly worsening air quality across all 21 counties.

The ALA's recent "State of the Air" report highlights concerning trends. The report found that 46% of New Jersey residents live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, a figure driven by emissions from sources like refineries, power plants, and car traffic, as well as the increasing threat of wildfires. Exposure to this pollution can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory problems, with older adults, children, outdoor workers, pregnant women, and low-income communities being particularly vulnerable.

Experts point to climate change and a lack of rainfall as contributing factors, creating conditions ripe for more wildfires. The report also revealed that several counties received failing grades for ozone smog and particle pollution. While some counties maintained good grades, the overall picture paints a concerning trend of worsening air quality across the state, especially in the New York City Metro area.

BNN's Perspective: This report underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address climate change and its impact on public health. While the report highlights the challenges, it also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and data collection. It's crucial to balance environmental concerns with economic realities, supporting policies that promote clean energy and reduce emissions while acknowledging the complexities of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Keywords: New Jersey, air quality, wildfires, pollution, American Lung Association, Jones Road Wildfire, ozone smog, particle pollution, climate change, health effects, Canadian wildfires, environmental health, air quality index, unhealthy air, emission sources, public health, State of the Air report, Ocean County, Bergen, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Atlantic, Warren, Camden, Union, New York City Metro area, Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD metro area

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