Bad Air Quality on Thursday, RI DEM Says

The state Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for most of the state due to favorable conditions for high ozone.

The DEM said that conditions are approaching levels that may cause difficulty for people with lung disease, older adults and children. People with asthma should take extra precautions.

Conditions will be potentially unhealthy in Washington, Newport and parts of Kent County, according to the air quality index scale, the DEM said. This is the result of southwest winds and warm temperatures aloft and at the surface combined with ample sun, which leads to a condition of precursor/ozone build ahead of the approaching cold front. That front will stall offshore, but ”should allow for air quality to be upper GOOD on Friday, but remaining warm,” the DEM said.

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.

Residents are urged to take public transportation, carpool and try to conserve energy. It is also recommended to refuel your car after dark and don’t top off.

For the latest in air quality data, check out the DEM’s Air Quality Forecast page. You can also call 401-222-2808.

Photo: AirNow