After a night of Independence Day celebrations, some parts of North Jersey were dealing with poor or even unhealthy air quality levels Friday morning.
As of 10 a.m. Friday morning, parts of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Morris counties were labeled either unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups, per the Air Quality Index (AQI). By 11:30 a.m., most of the region was back down to a moderate AQI.
The reason for these labels, according to AirNow.gov, were an increase in particulate matter or particle pollution, specifically PM2.5.
What does PM2.5 mean?
"PM" stands for particulate matter which, according to the EPA is "the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air." Particulate matter can also be referred to as particle pollution.
Particle pollution can come from various sources such as construction sites or fires, according to the EPA. Particles can also form in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions caused by pollutants that are emitted from sources such as cars or power plants.
PM2.5 particles are inhalable particles that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
Can Fourth of July fireworks impact air quality?
During the 2023 Fourth of July holiday, just hours after the annual Macy's Fireworks in Manhattan and the numerous other firework events in the region, the AQI spiked to a high of 434. The following day, the AQI began to decrease reaching 145 by 9 a.m.
A 2015 study found that hourly PM2.5 concentrations are higher during the evening of July 4 and morning of July 5 than on the two days before and after.
"Here's a 4th of July holiday tip for folks with heart disease, asthma & other lung diseases, & for older adults & children," said AirNow on X, formerly Twitter. "Watch local fireworks from upwind - or as far away as possible - can help people protect their health from particle pollution the fireworks produce."
"People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and be sure to have quick relief medicine handy. Happy Independence Day!"
Unhealthy AQI
When air quality levels are between 101 and 150 the AQI is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
During this time, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should take the following steps to reduce their exposure, per AirNow.gov:
- Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don't breathe as hard
- Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors
- Be active outdoors when air quality is better
The general public is less likely to be affected by sensitive air quality levels.
However, when the air quality levels reach between 151 and 200, the AQI is unhealthy and both sensitive groups as well as the general public may be at risk to experience health effects.
You can check the air quality index at any time by visiting AirNow.gov and plugging in your zip code.
NWS also issues a heat advisory for parts of New Jersey
In addition to poor air quality in certain parts of the state, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Hudson and Union counties.
The advisory is set to start at noon on Friday and expire at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service's advisory, heat index values in these counties are expected to reach up to 100 degrees during that time and the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity could cause heat-related illnesses.
The NWS recommends that those in the affected areas:
- Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning
- Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors
- Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work
- Call 9-1-1 in case of heat stroke
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