Environmental Task Force

WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN NEW JERSEY DECLARES AN AIR QUALITY ACTION ADVISORY -

 Unhealthy levels of both ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution are expected in the air. Over half of the population is at risk and should cut back or reschedule strenuous activities. People especially at risk include: 

*     Adults of all ages exercising or working outdoors
*     Children and older adults
*     People with heart or lung disease (including asthma)
*     People with unusual susceptibility to air pollution 

Everyone can take action to help prevent air pollution, especially on days when high concentrations are forecast: 

*     Carpool, vanpool or use public transit.
*     Reduce driving. If you must drive, try to combine trips.
*     Refuel your car in the evening and don't "top off" the tank.
*     Postpone using mowers and gas powered yard equipment.
*     Barbecue without using starter fluid.
*     Do not burn trash, leaves or other materials.
*     Conserve energy - set your thermostat lower in winter or higher in summer.

Helpful websites:
These sites are not part of The PACNJ web site, and we have no control over their content or availability.

Get a report about the Quality of Air in New Jersey to help manage asthma triggers at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.fcsummary&stateid=35

www.state.nj.us/dep

www.stopthesoot.org

Click here to get more information about the PACNJ Asthma Friendly School Award

See the list of PACNJ Asthma Friendly School
Award Recipients!

Indoor Air Quality Standard - NJAC 12:100.13 covers indoor air quality in existing buildings occupied by public employees.  It includes public schools and addresses these concerns:  Preventative maintenance, ventilation, microbial contamination and remodeling/renovation issues including advance notice.

Watch the EPA Video "Health at Home, Controlling Asthma"

Watch the Urban Indoor Air Quality Walk Through Video - the EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Walkthrough Video Assessment. This module is directed towards schools in city environments.

Controlling Asthma Triggers at Home


In English

Spanish version of "Controlling Asthma Triggers at Home"

New Environmental Protection Agency Spanish Website   www.epa.gov/espanol
This new site compiles EPA's Spanish language materials on a wide variety of areas from lead poisoning prevention to controlling asthma triggers, recycling to proper management of pesticides.  In addition to environmental health information, the site also offers educational resources for students and teachers who often seek Spanish language learning tools on the environment.  The site also provides information about EPA grants, small business opportunities and environmental jobs at EPA.

Co-chairs:
Larainne Koehler
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Robyn D'Oria, MA, RNC, APN
Central NJ Maternal Child Health Consortium

Objective: Promote good indoor and outdoor air quality to improve the quality of life of children with asthma as is recommended by the NHLBI Guidelines.

Indicators of success:

• There will be a reduction in ozone and other outdoor air pollutants related to asthma.
• Children and their families are taking steps to reduce exposure to their triggers.
• There will be an increase in the number of schools that have indoor air quality management plans such as “IAQ Tools for Schools.”

Desired outcomes:

• Hospital admissions for asthma are reduced.
• Absenteeism from schools and day care is reduced.
• Knowledge of asthma triggers is evident and children take steps to avoid exposure to triggers.
• Number of children exposed to second hand smoke is reduced.
• Number of people accessing information on poor air quality days is increased.

Current projects:

• Develop an ozone alert link for the PACNJ web page with funding from USEPA.
• Support a local poster contest on environmental triggers with funding from the USEPA.
• Partner with the Parent Teachers Association to provide information on asthma triggers.
• Offer “Tools for Schools” on the PACNJ website for improved school environment.
• Work with the New Jersey Schools and Environmental Group that meet monthly to effect change.
• Develop a "Top 10 List" of things you can do to control asthma triggers in your home, for distribution on Tuesday, May 7th, World Asthma Day.

The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey
Environmental Task Force

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