Air Pollution In New Jersey: Causes And Concerns

Air pollution in New Jersey is a pressing issue, with the state's air quality ranking among the worst in the nation. The primary sources of air pollution in the state include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, power plants, and wildfires. These sources contribute to elevated levels of ozone and particle pollution, posing significant health risks to residents, especially those vulnerable, such as older adults, children, and individuals with lung diseases. While New Jersey has shown some improvements in air quality, particularly with reducing particle pollution, certain areas, such as Newark-NYC and Bergen and Morris counties, continue to struggle with high levels of ozone pollution. Understanding and addressing the causes of air pollution in New Jersey are crucial to ensure the health and well-being of its residents and the environment.

Vehicle pollution

New Jersey's highly populated areas, such as the I-95 corridor, are hot zones for high-level ozone concentrations. Transportation and vehicles play a major role in this issue. The state's shift away from fossil fuels is a positive step, and the Murphy administration has set a goal of achieving a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035.

While the state's efforts are commendable, the impact of climate change, including longer and hotter summers, makes reducing air pollution more challenging. The extreme heat and drought driven by climate change have also contributed to an increase in wildfires, which further spike particle pollution levels.

To address vehicle pollution specifically, New Jersey should continue to prioritize the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and the adoption of electric vehicles. Additionally, investing in zero-emission buses and reducing the reliance on natural gas appliances can help improve air quality and reduce the health risks associated with air pollution.

Air pollution has severe consequences for public health, including an increased risk of premature death, asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm. Therefore, it is crucial for New Jersey to continue taking steps to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of its residents.

Industrial emissions

The presence of heavy industries, such as coal-fired power plants, plays a crucial role in this regard. While there has been a positive trend in cleaning up coal-fired power plants, they still contribute to particle pollution, which can have detrimental effects on human health. These fine particles can lodge deep in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and increasing the risk of lung cancer.

Diesel emissions from industrial sources also contribute to air pollution in New Jersey. The retirement of old, dirty diesel engines has helped improve air quality over the years, but there is still work to be done to mitigate the impact of diesel emissions on public health. Additionally, vehicle pollution, particularly in highly populated areas and transportation hot zones like the I-95 corridor, significantly drives elevated ozone levels in the state.

To address these issues, New Jersey has implemented various strategies. The state has shifted away from fossil fuels, with the Murphy administration setting a goal for a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035. Additionally, a rule has been adopted to require all new cars sold in New Jersey to be electric by 2035, which will help reduce vehicle emissions and cut greenhouse gases. The state's air quality is managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) through ambient air monitoring, emission reduction plans, rules, permits, stack testing, and enforcement.

Natural sources, e.g. wildfires

Air pollution in New Jersey is caused by a variety of sources, including natural ones such as wildfires. While the state's air quality has shown improvement in recent years, wildfires continue to be a significant contributor to particle pollution, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Wildfires are a natural source of air pollution, releasing smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These fine particles, known as PM2.5, can include a range of harmful substances such as acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil. The small size of these particles allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks. Particle pollution has been linked to triggering asthma attacks, cardiovascular issues, and increasing the risk of lung cancer.

New Jersey has experienced several wildfires that have impacted its air quality. One notable example is the wildfire that occurred in Wharton State Forest in South Jersey in March 2025. This fire burned over 2,300 acres of land and required the evacuation of two campgrounds, including the Atsion and Goshen Pond Campgrounds. The fire was fueled by windy and dry conditions, highlighting the role of natural factors in exacerbating wildfire activity.

Wildfires in New Jersey often occur in forested areas, such as the Wharton State Forest, and can be challenging to contain. Fire crews employ various strategies, including building containment lines and conducting backfire operations to control the spread. The state's environmental protection agencies, such as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), play a crucial role in monitoring and managing air quality, including the impact of wildfires.

It is important to recognize that wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems and can have beneficial effects, such as regenerating forest growth. However, their impact on air quality and public health cannot be overlooked. To mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke, residents can refer to resources provided by organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service, which offer tools such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to help individuals protect themselves from wildfire smoke exposure.

Fossil fuels

One of the primary ways in which fossil fuels contribute to air pollution is through the emission of harmful gases and particulate matter during combustion. When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, they release pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment.

Particulate matter, in particular, poses a significant threat to public health. PM2.5, which has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, is of utmost concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. These fine particles can bypass the body's natural defences in the nose and throat and reach the lungs, potentially leading to serious health issues. The health impacts of particulate matter are wide-ranging and include respiratory and cardiovascular problems, triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even lung cancer.

In New Jersey, the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles contributes to elevated levels of particulate matter and other pollutants in the air. Vehicle pollution, including emissions from cars, trucks, and buses, is a significant source of air pollution in the state. Additionally, the state's proximity to major transportation corridors, such as the I-95 corridor, further contributes to high-level ozone concentrations and air pollution.

To address air pollution from fossil fuels, New Jersey has been taking several measures. These include adopting rules to transition to electric vehicles, improving air quality monitoring, and working to reduce reliance on natural gas appliances. The state's efforts are showing positive results, with reports indicating that air quality in New Jersey is generally improving, and the state is taking steps in the right direction.

Climate change

The impact of climate change on air quality in New Jersey is evident in the increase in wildfires, which contribute to particle pollution. The combination of extreme heat and drought, driven by climate change, has led to more frequent and intense wildfires, posing a challenge to maintaining healthy air quality.

Transportation corridors, such as the I-95 corridor, and highly populated areas in New Jersey, are particularly vulnerable to high-level ozone concentrations. The state's progress in reducing air pollution is hindered by these persistent ozone hotspots, which are influenced by meteorological conditions and emissions from various sources.

New Jersey has taken steps to address the issue of air pollution, with a focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels. The state has set ambitious goals, including the Murphy administration's target of achieving a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035. Additionally, New Jersey has adopted a rule requiring all new cars sold to be electric by 2035, demonstrating a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

While the state has shown improvements in certain areas, the overall air quality in New Jersey remains a mixed bag. The 2024 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association highlighted that while some counties posted their best results, others continued to struggle with fine particle pollution and ozone smog, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the need for sustained efforts to improve air quality.

Frequently asked questions