Newark Hands Out Free Masks As Canada Wildfire Smoke Lingers

NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark is handing out free face masks to residents as smoke and haze from the Canadian wildfires lingers across New Jersey for a third day.

Mayor Ras Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook told local residents to take precautions while an air quality alert from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is still active.

The poor air quality is attributed to wildfires in Canada that are polluting the air with particulate matter from burning trees and other materials. Read More: When Will The Smoke Clear In NJ? Latest Forecast For Thursday

The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will be distributing N95 masks to senior buildings, the Newark Public Library, and other key locations throughout the city. Residents can also pick up a mask at its main site located at 110 William Street or the Health Center located at 394 University Avenue.

"Due to heavy smoke from a convergence of wildfires as far away as Canada, the NJDEP has issued an air quality alert for the northern region of the state, including Newark," Baraka said.

"I ask everyone to protect their health by staying informed and carefully following NJDEP's guidelines throughout the duration of the alert," Baraka added.

According to a statement from the mayor's office:

An air quality index of 100 or below is considered moderate to good, and generally satisfactory for most people. Anything above 300 is considered hazardous, officials said.

To protect yourself from the current poor air quality, the NJDEP advises:

"These guidelines are for all of us and even our pets, because air pollution concentrations are unhealthy for everyone," Alsbrook said. "But they should be most carefully followed by sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other lung diseases."

About one out of four kids in Newark have asthma, studies say – a rate three times higher than the national average. Read More: Air Hits 'Unhealthy' Level In Newark Due To Wildfire Smoke (Update)

The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to monitor the air quality and will issue updates as needed throughout the alert, city officials said.

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