UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF OZONE FORECAST
FOR CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF FINE PARTICLES FORECAST FOR PARTS
OF THE NORTHEAST
(02/26) Trenton---Department of Environmental
Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell announced
today the first air quality forecast for the season. Unhealthy
air quality is forecast across much of central New Jersey
due to ground-level ozone which will build up during the
afternoon under hot, sunny skies. Unhealthy particulate
levels are forecast in parts of northeastern New Jersey
due to fine particles caused by diesel powered cars, trucks
and buses, and industrial sources.
"Air quality is a serious health threat
and we all need to take action to help reduce ozone forming
emissions", said Bradley Campbell, Commissioner.
"The forecast issued today is to protect the public,
especially those groups with respiratory and heart problems.
Intense heat and sunlight increase the probability of air
pollution. We need rain not only to keep temperatures down,
but also because of the seriousness of the state's drought
emergency," Campbell added.
Ozone, or smog, forms when air pollutants
from cars, power plants and other combustion sources combine
in the heat of the sun. Small children, the elderly, asthmatics
and others with respiratory or heart disease problems are
especially vulnerable.
The ozone season runs from April 1, through
October 31 each year. The general public is encouraged to
consolidate trips, carpool, use public transportation, limit
the use of gasoline powered equipment, and avoid car idling.
For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/ozact.htm.
You can also tune in to New Jersey Network where the Nightly
News weather reports include ozone forecasts or call the
DEP Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-782-0160 for the day's
air quality and tomorrow's forecast. For information on
the health effects contact the NJ Department of Health at
609-633-2043.
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