Why care about

Heat &
Air Quality?

It affects our health

Poor air quality and extreme heat can cause:

Asthma and
breathing problems

Heat exhaustion
and heat stroke

Heart disease and
high blood pressure

More hospital visits
and sick days

Our movement
for environmental
justice
continues
through heat
and air
quality.

Loading heat vulnerability map...

Source: Heat Vulnerability Index, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2023

Loading Newark heat map...

Source: NJDEP Land Surface Temperature, Summer 2022.

Heat doesn't
affect all of us equally. Some neighborhoods
are affected
more than others.

Who is more affected?

Seniors

Seniors

More than 80% of U.S. heat-related deaths occur in adults over 60, and death rates among people 65 and older have more than doubled since the 1990s.

Learn more ↗
Pregnant people

Pregnant people

Extreme heat before birth can increase the risk of perinatal mortality and is linked to issues such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Learn more ↗
Outdoor workers

Outdoor workers

Millions of American workers are exposed to dangerous outdoor heat conditions, making workers vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

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People with preexisting conditions

Preexisting conditions

Rising temperatures increase cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, especially for people with heart disease, respiratory disorders, and other chronic ailments.

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Children under 5

Children under 5

Children absorb heat faster than adults. Their bodies are also less able to sweat and regulate temperature, increasing their risk during extreme heat.

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People without air conditioning

No air conditioning

People without reliable air conditioning face greater danger during heat waves, especially in poorly ventilated homes and lower-income households.

Learn more ↗

Senior
citizens,
pregnant
people and
infants
are 3x
more
affected.

Heat Safety for You

Find information and steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

🏢

Landlords, Renters and Homeowners

Learn how to keep indoor spaces cooler and what to do when you don't have air conditioning.

Indoor heat safety ↗
🧒

Young People

Understand how extreme heat can affect children, school, recreation, and outdoor activities.

Learn about heat risks ↗
👵

Seniors

Learn why older adults are more sensitive to extreme heat and how to reduce heat exposure.

Heat safety for older adults ↗
❤️‍🩹

People with Medical Conditions

Learn how chronic health conditions and some medications can increase heat-related risks.

CDC health guidance ↗