The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for Newport and Washington counties Tuesday, warning that ground-level ozone is expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
The alert covers only the two southern counties, with the highest ozone concentrations forecast along the immediate coastline. Peak levels are expected to begin in the late afternoon and continue well into the evening hours after sunset.
Fine particles will also remain elevated at moderate levels due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, according to DEM.
The unhealthy ozone levels may cause throat irritation, coughing and chest pain, as well as shortness of breath and increased risk of respiratory infections. Children, elderly residents and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions face particular risk of worsened asthma and other lung conditions.
DEM recommends residents reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities, take frequent breaks during outdoor work and choose less strenuous activities. Those experiencing coughing or shortness of breath should monitor their symptoms closely.
People with asthma or lung conditions should follow their action plans and carry quick-relief medications. The agency suggests scheduling outdoor activities for morning hours when ozone levels are typically lowest and air quality readings are good.
Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. Residents can stay informed by downloading the AirNOW app or visiting www.airnow.gov for real-time updates and forecasts. Additional information is available on DEM’s air quality forecast page at www.dem.ri.gov/airquality.
