3 Rhode Island Counties Given Failing Grades For Air Quality

A new report by the American Lung Association show 87 percent of Rhode Islanders are breathing unhealthy air. In the 2019 State of the Air report card, three of the state's five counties—Providence, Kent and Washington—received failing grades for ozone pollution in the air. No data was collected for Newport and Bristol counties.

"Rhode Island residents should be aware that we’re breathing unhealthy air, driven by emissions from power plants and extreme heat as a result of climate change, placing our health and lives at risk," said Jennifer Wall, director of advocacy for the ALA in Rhode Island.

The 2019 report includes data collected by state, local and federal agencies from 2015 to 2017, which were the hottest years recorded in global history. The report tracks ozone levels and particle pollution. On hot summer days, high levels of ozone can make breathing difficult for those with breathing conditions like COPD or asthma. In addition, exposure to air pollution can affect heart health, cause lung cancer or lead to the development of breathing issues.

"Rhode Island has over 18,000 kids with pediatric asthma, over 91,000 adults with asthma, and over 55,000 adults with COPD. Ozone can be harmful to anyone, but these populations as especially at risk, often driving them to the doctor’s office, the hospital or the emergency room," Wall continued.

Providence and Kent counties' grades worsened to F's from D's in 2018, while Washington County maintained its failing status. All together, the three counties recorded a large uptick in the number of red or orange-level ozone alert days, rising from 29 days between 2014 and 2016 to 41 days from 2015 to 2017.

"Bad air days force me to stay inside, and can even keep me from walking my dog," said Debra Keating-Cole, a Providence resident who suffers from asthma and COPD. "I used to love sitting on the porch, but now if I step outside on the wrong day the humidity and pollution hits me like a ton of bricks."

Rhode Island's air quality mirrors most cities across the country, with ozone building up more easily and becoming increasingly difficult to clean up as global temperatures continue to rise.