Air Quality Alert Declared for Tuesday

State officials have declared an Air Quality Alert for Tuesday due to high ozone and airborne particle levels in a very hot airmass hovering over Rhode Island for yet another day.

People with lung disease, older residents and children are most at risk for exposure to ozone and particles in the air. The state Department of Environmental Management declared the alert on Monday and said that people with breathing difficulties should avoid outdoor activities.

The DEM said that the airmass will affect Rhode Island Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the 90s. It will be only slightly cooler along the coast. Light southwest winds and lots of sunshine will bring ozone levels to unhealthy levels on Tuesday, the DEM said. On Wednesday, ozone levels will be moderate with some unhealthy readings expected again later in the day. Fine particles will be at moderate levels both days.

Relief should come on Thursday with an approaching front that will bring unsettled weather with winds a bit more off the ocean with ozone dropping to lower moderate levels, the DEM said.

From the DEM:

The Department of Health warns 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. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity. The children, 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.

Ways YOU can help reduce Air Pollution!

• Limit driving, carpool, or ride RIPTA. http://www.ripta.com/
• Refuel your vehicles AFTER dark and don’t top off tanks
• Conserve electricity and keep the A/C at the highest comfortable level
• Postpone usage of gasoline engines on alert days