Air Pollution In New Jersey: What's The Main Culprit?

Air pollution in New Jersey is a pressing issue, with the state ranking among the worst in the nation for air quality. The state's air pollution is so severe that it poses risks to the health and safety of its residents, particularly those with asthma. The primary sources of air pollution in New Jersey include emissions from factories, power plants, vehicles, and natural sources such as wildfires. In addition, the state experiences high levels of smog, which is exacerbated by global warming and can trigger asthma attacks in vulnerable individuals. While efforts have been made to improve air quality, such as the shutdown of coal-burning power plants, the impact of air pollution on public health remains a significant concern.

Fossil fuels

In New Jersey, the air pollution problem is particularly severe. The state has some of the worst air quality in the nation, with high levels of smog that can trigger asthma attacks in the estimated 650,000-735,000 residents with the disease. While some of this pollution is a result of emissions blown in from the Midwest, New Jersey is also home to several coal-burning power plants, which contribute significantly to the poor air quality in the state.

The health impacts of fossil fuel pollution are far-reaching and severe. Globally, air pollution from fossil fuels is responsible for about 8.7 million deaths each year, or roughly one in five deaths worldwide. Fossil fuel pollution has been linked to various health issues, including asthma, cancer, heart disease, and premature death. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, as they breathe more air per kilogram of body weight than adults and are, therefore, more exposed to pollutants. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 40% of the burden of environmentally related diseases and more than 88% of the burden of climate change are borne by children under five.

In addition to the direct health impacts, fossil fuel combustion also contributes to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, wind storms, flooding, and droughts. These events have caused significant economic damage, with the cost of extreme weather in the United States between 2016 and 2020 estimated at $606.9 billion.

Furthermore, air pollution from fossil fuels can cause acid rain, eutrophication, damage to crops and forests, and harm to wildlife. Water pollution is also a significant issue, as oil spills and fracking fluids contaminate water sources with toxic substances like arsenic, lead, chlorine, and mercury. The plastic industry, which relies heavily on fossil fuels, also contributes to water pollution, with 300 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year, 14 million tons of which end up in the ocean, killing wildlife and polluting the food chain.

Overall, the combustion of fossil fuels has far-reaching and devastating consequences for public health, the environment, and the economy.

Wildfires

The smoke from wildfires contains various pollutants, including acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil particles. These pollutants can spread over large areas, impacting air quality and posing risks to human health, especially for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The smoke from the Wharton State Forest fire was expected to linger until significant rainfall occurred.

To manage and monitor air quality, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) employs various strategies, including ambient air monitoring, emission reduction plans, and vehicle testing. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also plays a role in setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and providing resources for the public to stay informed about air pollution levels.

It is important to note that wildfires are not the sole cause of air pollution in New Jersey. The state also experiences pollution from human activities, such as industrial emissions, power plants, and vehicle emissions, as well as pollution blown in from other regions. However, wildfires are a significant contributor to the overall air quality issues in the state.

Coal-burning power plants

New Jersey has historically struggled with poor air quality, with the state's air being ranked among the most polluted in the nation. One of the contributing factors to this issue has been coal-burning power plants, which emit a range of harmful pollutants.

In 2017, PSEG Power shut down two coal-burning power plants, one in Jersey City and the other outside Trenton. These closures were significant in reducing air pollution in the state, as the plants had been major sources of soot, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals that impaired the air quality of nearby areas, including North Jersey and New York City. The move left New Jersey with just one remaining coal-powered plant, the B.L. England facility in Cape May County.

The closure of these coal-burning power plants was praised by environmental experts, health advocates, and politicians. It represented a transition to cleaner fuels and a reduction in air pollution for the region. The closures also aligned with a national trend, as power companies across the country have been moving away from coal due to the declining cost of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as well as the availability of cheaper, cleaner-burning natural gas.

While New Jersey has made strides in reducing pollution from coal-burning power plants, the state continues to face air quality challenges. In recent years, New Jersey has focused on increasing the use of renewable energy sources, with a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035. The state has invested in wind power and solar energy, with small-scale solar delivering a significant contribution to the state's electrical grid. Additionally, New Jersey has implemented measures such as requiring the use of reformulated gasoline blended with ethanol to reduce emissions of smog-forming and toxic pollutants. These efforts are crucial in improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of New Jersey residents.

Poor air quality standards

One significant contributor to New Jersey's poor air quality is the presence of power plants, particularly those that burn coal. While the state has taken steps to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power plants, with PSEG Power shutting down two such facilities in 2017, the remaining plants, as well as those in the Midwest, continue to generate substantial air pollution. This includes the emission of particulate matter (PM2.5), which has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.

In addition to power plants, various human activities contribute to the state's air pollution levels. These activities include emissions from factories, dry cleaners, vehicles like cars and buses, and airplanes. The impact of these sources is particularly pronounced in metropolitan areas, where millions of residents are exposed to elevated levels of smog and particulate pollution. Wildfires, wood-burning stoves, and agricultural dust also play a role in degrading air quality, especially in less populated areas.

The health consequences of poor air quality in New Jersey are significant. High levels of air pollution increase the risk of premature death, asthma attacks, and other adverse health effects. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The impact of air pollution extends beyond human health, as it also damages ecosystems, including plants, animals, rivers, and lakes, and can even harm buildings and statues.

To address these issues, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is responsible for ensuring the state's air quality meets standards. They employ various strategies, including ambient air monitoring, emission reduction plans, vehicle testing, and enforcement of regulations. However, the effectiveness of these measures is influenced by federal policies and standards set by organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As such, the state's efforts to improve air quality are closely tied to broader policy decisions and the adoption of more stringent standards.

Asthma and other health issues

Air pollution in New Jersey is so bad that it could be dangerous to breathe. In 2018, it was reported that New Jersey's air was among the most polluted in the nation, with a large part of the state receiving failing grades for smog. North Jersey and New York City ranked as the 10th worst metropolitan area in the US for ozone levels, the main ingredient in smog, which can trigger asthma attacks in the estimated 650,000-735,000 state residents who suffer from the disease. The state's air quality was also affected by record-setting high temperatures in 2016, which made its smog levels worse.

The sources of air pollution in New Jersey are varied and include human activities such as factories, power plants, dry cleaners, cars, trains, airplanes, and buses, as well as natural sources like wildfires and agricultural dust. The state's proximity to the Midwest also means that a significant amount of air pollution from coal-burning power plants in that region blows into New Jersey.

The health impacts of air pollution are far-reaching and affect everyone, but certain individuals are more susceptible to its effects. Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of premature death, asthma attacks, and other adverse health consequences. Particle pollution, in particular, can lodge deep in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, triggering asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes, and causing lung cancer. It can also stunt lung development in children and increase their risk of developing asthma.

Ozone pollution, which is a significant issue in New Jersey, can harm even healthy individuals but is especially dangerous for children, older adults, and those with lung diseases such as COPD or asthma. Breathing ozone-polluted air can trigger asthma attacks and land people in the emergency room. It can even shorten lives. The warmer temperatures brought about by climate change are making ozone more likely to form and harder to clean up, further exacerbating the problem.

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