Healthy Air Alert for Jersey Shore Residents
Mount Holly, NJ — The National Weather Service has raised an urgent air quality warning for parts of Western and Eastern Monmouth counties, effective 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.
Why the Alert?
The warning follows a Code Orange notice from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, signaling potential harm to vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions.
The primary concern? Ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, which can originate from wildfire smoke or local pollution sources.
Understanding Air Quality Risks
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures pollution levels, with key thresholds as follows:
| AQI Range | Health Impact |
|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good – Safe for all |
| 51–100 | Moderate – Acceptable, but sensitive groups may feel effects |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues should limit outdoor exposure |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy for Everyone – Avoid prolonged outdoor activity |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy – Health alerts issued; avoid outdoor exertion |
| 301–500 | Hazardous – Emergency conditions; stay indoors |
How to Stay Safe
When the AQI exceeds 101, take precautions: ✔ Stay indoors – Keep windows closed and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. ✔ Adjust your AC – Run it on recirculate mode to minimize outdoor air intake. ✔ Avoid indoor pollutants – Skip vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods, or using gas appliances. ✔ If venturing outside – Wear an N95 mask to reduce particle inhalation.
For AQI levels 151+, everyone should remain indoors.
Stay Informed
Residents can receive real-time alerts by signing up for text notifications from the National Weather Service.
Protect your health—stay aware, stay safe.
