Our community is under an air quality alert through Sunday evening as elevated ozone levels create potentially unhealthy conditions across Atlantic County and much of New Jersey.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued the alert at 9:52 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, affecting Atlantic County along with Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Western Monmouth, Eastern Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean and Southeastern Burlington counties.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has designated this a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone, which will remain in effect until 11 p.m. EDT Sunday, July 5. This classification means air quality within our region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Who Should Be Most Concerned?
While everyone should take precautions during a Code Orange alert, certain groups face heightened risks. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of elevated ozone levels and airborne particles.
Air quality particles can trigger symptoms ranging from mild eye or throat irritation to more serious cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. When the Air Quality Index climbs above 101—classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups—staying indoors becomes the most effective protective measure.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Our residents can take several practical steps to minimize exposure during this alert period:
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering your home
Use indoor air purifiers if available
Run air conditioning on recirculate mode with high-efficiency filters
Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods, or using gas appliances
Clean surfaces with damp cloths rather than dry dusters, which can redistribute particles into the air
If outdoor activity is unavoidable, wear an N95 mask for protection
Understanding Air Quality Levels
The Air Quality Index provides a standardized way to understand pollution levels. Code Orange falls within the 101-150 range, meaning sensitive groups face increased risk while the general population may begin experiencing minor effects.
For comparison, readings between 0-50 indicate good air quality with minimal health concerns, while levels above 151 signal unhealthy conditions for everyone. At 201 and above, emergency conditions exist requiring widespread precautions.
Stay Informed
Residents can monitor current and forecast air quality conditions through www.airnow.gov or www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/. For additional information, contact the New Jersey Bureau of Air Monitoring at 609-292-0138.
As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, staying aware of air quality conditions will help ensure our community can celebrate safely. Those planning outdoor activities should consider rescheduling or moving gatherings indoors when possible, particularly during peak afternoon hours when ozone levels typically reach their highest concentrations.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
