It's a Bad Air Alert Day in Rhode Island

Rhode Islanders with asthma and breathing difficulties should stay indoors, preferably with air conditioning on Wednesday.

A poor air quality alert has been issued as heat and humidity with highs in the 90s away from the shore have created a recipe for ground-level ozone to reach unhealthy levels.

The state Department of Environmental Management is reporting that the southern half of the state will approach unhealthy levels for ozone in the afternoon and evening hours.

Conditions are expected to improve on Thursday with ozone levels at moderate levels across the entire state. Friday should be much improved with good air quality returning.

Check out the local forecast for today and through the weekend on the Patch weather page.

You can get a daily air quality reading from the DEM by calling 401-222-2808.

The air quality alert is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ozone is a major component of smog and is formed by the photochemical reaction of pollutants emitted by cars, industry and other sources in elevated temperatures and sunlight.

“Rhode Island residents can help reduce air pollutant emissions. Limit car travel and the use of small engines, lawn motors and charcoal lighter fuels. Travel by bus or carpool whenever possible, particularly during high ozone periods,” the health department said in a Wednesday morning release.

More from the health department:

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.

To avoid experiencing these effects, limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity and stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible during the afternoon and evening hours, when ozone levels are highest. Schedule outdoor exercise and children’s outdoor activities in the morning hours. Individuals who experience respiratory symptoms may wish to consult their doctors.

The unhealthy levels of ozone are expected to last as long as the hot sunny weather is present. The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Lung Association reminds people that “when you can’t breathe nothing else matters.”

Below are some ways that you 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.