R.I. Air Quality Reaches Unhealthy Levels During Heat Wave

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is predicting that air quality will reach unhealthy levels during the late afternoon and into the evening on Tuesday June 29. The alert was issued statewide.

The agency cited elevated ground-level ozone concentrations and said fine particles are also up, especially around Providence. Ozone is a component of smog and formed by a chemical reaction of car and industry air pollution with high temperatures and sunlight.

The Department of Health warned that unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. The symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity. Children, the elderly and people with lung diseases such as asthma are at particular risk.

People are advised to limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity and stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible during the afternoon through late into the evening today. Outdoor exercise and children's outdoor play should take place in the morning.

The high ozone levels are expected to last if hot sunny weather continues.

The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Lung Association reminded people that "when you can't breathe nothing else matters."

RIDEM issued a list of ways people 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.