RI's Air Quality To Reach 'Unhealthy' Levels Saturday

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is predicting that air quality will reach "unhealthy" levels Saturday afternoon into the evening.

Environmental officials issued a statewide alert due to elevated ground-level ozone concentrations. Fine particles are also expected to reach moderate levels, especially in the Providence area.

Residents can help reduce air pollutant emissions by limiting car travel and the use of small engines, lawn motors and charcoal lighter fuels, the Department of Environmental Management said. Traveling by bus or carpool is encouraged, particularly during high ozone periods.

Unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation and other respiratory ailments. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity.

Children, the elderly and people who have underlying lung diseases such as asthma are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. As ozone levels increase, the number of people affected, and the severity of the health effects, also increase.

Officials recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activity and staying in an air-conditioned environment during the afternoon and evening hours, when ozone levels are highest. The unhealthy ozone levels are expected to run concurrent with the hot, sunny weather.

Below are some ways Rhode Islanders can help contribute to lower ground level ozone levels and cleaner air:

1. Limit driving. Avoid unnecessary car trips. Carpool, walk or ride the bus or a bicycle whenever possible.

2. Minimize starts and avoid unnecessary acceleration. Vehicle emissions are highest during starting and acceleration.

3. Reduce idling. Avoid congested traffic and lines at drive-through windows.

4. Drive your lowest emission vehicle. Use the most fuel-efficient, usually the newest, car you have whenever possible.

5. Maintain your vehicle. Get a tune-up at the beginning of each summer.

6. Minimize lawn mower emissions. Tune-up your lawn mower and use electric or handpowered equipment if possible.

7. Limit use of solvent-based household products. Use water-based or low solvent paints, varnishes, cleaners, and personal care products.

8. Limit barbecue emissions. Use an electric starter instead of lighter fluid to start charcoal fires, or use an electric, natural gas, or propane grill.

For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.