Unhealthy Air Quality in Three RI Counties Thursday Due to Ground-Level Ozone Three Rhode Island counties are experiencing unhealthy air quality levels due to elevated levels of ground-level ozone, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The affected counties are: * Providence * Kent * Bristol The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for these counties, effective from noon Thursday, August 18, to 11 p.m. Friday, August 19. Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that can cause a range of health problems, including: * Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat * Difficulty breathing * Asthma attacks * Heart disease * Stroke The DEM advises residents in the affected counties to take the following precautions: * Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak hours (noon to 8 p.m.) * Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable and should avoid extended periods outdoors * Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids * Stay informed about air quality levels by monitoring the DEM website or the AirNow app The high ozone levels are expected to dissipate Friday evening as a cold front moves through the region. Residents can help reduce ozone pollution by: * Using public transportation or carpooling instead of driving alone * Combining errands to reduce vehicle emissions * Conserving energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use * Reducing the use of lawn mowers and leaf blowers on high-ozone days For more information, visit the DEM website at http://www.dem.ri.gov/air/ozone.htm.Air Quality Alert for Providence, Kent, and Bristol Counties
Air Quality Alert for Providence, Kent, and Bristol Counties What’s the issue? The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) predicts unhealthy air quality in Providence, Kent, and Bristol counties on Thursday afternoon and evening due to elevated ground-level ozone concentrations. What causes ozone pollution? Ozone is part of smog formed by the reaction of pollutants from motor vehicles, industry, and other sources in the presence of heat and sunlight. How does ozone affect health? Unhealthy ozone levels can cause: * Throat irritation * Coughing * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Respiratory infections * Worsening of asthma and other respiratory conditions Who is most at risk? * Children * Elderly * People with lung diseases (e.g., asthma) How to avoid health problems: * Limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activities during the afternoon and evening. * Stay in air-conditioned environments when possible. * Schedule outdoor activities for children in the morning. * Consult a doctor if you experience respiratory symptoms. How to reduce air pollution: * Limit car traffic and small engine use. * Take buses or carpools. * Check current air quality at AirNow.gov or the AirNow app.
Three Rhode Island counties are expected to have unhealthy air quality on Thursday due to ground-level ozone, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The counties affected are Providence, Bristol, and Newport. The DEM has issued an Air Quality Action Day for these counties, meaning that people should take steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution. Ground-level ozone is a gas that forms when sunlight reacts with other pollutants in the air, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Ozone can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and can also worsen heart disease. The DEM recommends that people take the following steps to reduce their exposure to air pollution: * Stay indoors as much as possible. * If you must go outside, limit your time spent in areas with heavy traffic. * If you have respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, be sure to have your medication with you. * If you see any symptoms of air pollution, such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, go inside and seek medical attention if necessary. The DEM also recommends that people reduce their energy consumption by doing things like turning off lights when they leave a room, unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, and using public transportation or walking instead of driving whenever possible. The DEM will continue to monitor air quality conditions and will issue updates as necessary.
