Protect Your Health on Poor Air Quality Days

Poor air quality can result from presence of particulate matter due to wildfires -

• Sensitive populations (which include the elderly, infants and your children, people with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or chronic bronchitis) should remain indoors.
• People in general should avoid strenuous activities and limit the amount of time they are active outdoors.
• For people who work outdoors or need to be outside, take more breaks if possible, while shortening the length and intensity of any physical activity.
• The most effective way to prevent breathing harmful particles from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
• If an air conditioner is available, run it while keeping the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.
• When outdoor air quality is poor, do not use candles and fireplaces that could add to indoor air pollution. Do not vacuum because vacuuming sill stir up particles already ins ide your home. Avoid smoke tobacco or other products since smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. Individuals who must be outside can have some added protection from an N95 mask if worn properly.

For further information visit the New Jersey Department of Health website: www.nj.gov/health

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