The Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management is predicting that air quality will reach unhealthy levels in Rhode
Island especially in central and southern sections in the afternoon on Friday.
A very humid air
mass with southwest winds will be present at that time, which will lead to
unhealthy air conditions. The poor air quality will be due to elevated ground
level ozone concentrations.
Ozone is a major component of smog and is formed
by the photochemical reaction of pollutants emitted by motor vehicles, industry
and other sources in the presence of 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 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 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 early 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:
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 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 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 early 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:
- Limit
driving. Avoid
unnecessary car trips. Carpool, walk or ride the bus or a bicycle whenever
possible.
- Minimize
starts and avoid unnecessary acceleration. Vehicle emissions are highest
during starting and acceleration.
- Reduce
idling. Avoid
congested traffic and lines at drive-through windows.
- Drive
your lowest emission vehicle. Use
the most fuel-efficient, usually the newest, car you have whenever
possible.
- Refuel
at stations which have vapor recovery. Fill your tank at a station which
is equipped with a Stage II vapor recovery system. Don't top off.
- Maintain
your vehicle. Get a
tune-up at the beginning of each summer.
- Minimize
lawn mower emissions. Tune-up
your lawn mower and use electric or hand-powered equipment if possible.
- Limit
use of solvent-based household products. Use water-based or low solvent
paints, varnishes, cleaners, and personal care products.
- Limit
barbecue emissions. Use
an electric starter instead of lighter fluid to start charcoal fires, or
use an electric, natural gas, or propane grill.
[1] Too bad
Charlestown is one of the only towns in Rhode Island without a RIPTA bus stop.
Kinda defeats the purpose when you have to drive a distance to catch the bus.