Smoke and other particulate matter released from wildfires currently burning in northern, central & southern New Jersey have negatively impacted air quality outdoors and within buildings. Many of our NJ, and PA customers have requested guidance on steps to reduce risks to employees and visitors and to clean smoke residues.

Smoke, haze, and odors from the fires are caused by organic chemicals, ozone, carbon monoxide, and elevated levels of particulate matter (primarily smaller than 10 microns in diameter). These particles are considered by toxicologists to be "respirable" meaning that they are small enough to be deposited deep in the lungs, which can present significant health issues for those with underlying respiratory ailments including asthma and cardiovascular disorders, as well as the very young and elderly. Based upon this, the EPA recommends that persons take measures to reduce inhalation of these very small particles including reducing outdoor and strenuous activities.

Here are a few tips if your building is in the vicinity of smoke from the fires:

• Reduce strenuous outdoor activities (especially for children, the elderly, or those with underlying cardiovascular risks).
• Encourage staff performing strenuous outdoor activity to take indoor breaks and utilize disposable N95 respirators if needed, in accordance with your respiratory protection program.
• Operate HEPA-filtered portable air purifiers in classrooms and offices where available (many of our clients have these in stock following COVID precautions);
• If smoke odors are entering offices or classrooms, consider closing windows and adjusting HVAC settings to reduce outdoor air introduction rates until smoke has cleared,
• Visit our Indoor Air Quality Page and click on the AirNow Air Quality Index Icon to determine air quality in your area.
• If smoke-like odors persist, contact ESMCorp to determine steps to assess and eliminate smoke residues.

For more information, and for the current AQI in your area, please visit our Indoor Air Quality Page at this link.

Please Contact Dr. Richard Lynch, Ph.D., CIH, or Mr. Richard A. Lynch, MBA, CIH today at 856-764-3557 for an air quality and ventilation assessment for your site.

Thanks again for the opportunity to assist you!

Stay Safe!

Richard M. Lynch, Ph.D., CIH, FAIHA, CMC, CMRS, CHFM

Certified Industrial Hygienist

Certified Microbial Consultant

Certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor

Certified Healthcare Facility Manager

President, ESMCorp

www.esmcorp.com

ph:(856) 764-3557