The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued an air quality alert for Thursday.
Ozone levels unhealthy for sensitive groups are expected across the entire state Thursday, with peak levels beginning in the early afternoon and continuing into the evening, according to RIDEM.
Fine particles are also expected to be elevated, reaching the level of moderate.
Unhealthy ozone levels can throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased risk of respiratory infections, and worsening of asthma and other lung conditions, particularly for children, the elderly, and others with preexisting respiratory issues, according to RIDEM.
The department recommended reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, taking frequent breaks and choosing less strenuous activities, monitoring for symptoms, and scheduleing outdoor activities in the morning.
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