Today's Code Red air quality alert for Monmouth County is being driven by fine particle pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke drifting in from Canada. The Toms River monitor is currently reading a PM2.5 AQI of 154, in the Unhealthy range. Ozone levels are good today, so smoke is the main concern.
A Code Red alert means air pollution is unhealthy for the general population, not just sensitive groups.
What You Can Do
People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should take extra precaution:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Keep outdoor activities short.
- Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.
Everyone else can reduce exposure by:
- Choosing less strenuous activities, like walking instead of running, so you don't breathe as hard.
- Shortening the amount of time you're active outdoors.
- Being active outdoors when air quality is better.
Watch for symptoms like coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. If they occur, stop activity, go indoors, and use quick-relief medicine as needed. Seek medical help right away if symptoms don't improve.
Check current conditions anytime at
AirNow.gov.
