PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued a statewide air quality alert Monday, warning that ground-level ozone levels are expected to reach unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups Tuesday.
The alert affects all of Rhode Island, with peak ozone levels anticipated to begin in the early afternoon and continue well into the evening, according to DEM officials. Fine particles are also expected to reach moderate levels.
Tuesday’s forecast calls for sunny skies with a high near 81 degrees and southwest winds of 6 to 13 mph in Newport, according to the National Weather Service. The sunny, warm conditions contribute to ozone formation as pollutants react with sunlight and heat.
Sensitive groups — including children, elderly residents and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions — may experience throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath when ozone levels are elevated. The conditions also increase the risk of respiratory infections and can worsen existing lung conditions.
Health officials recommend residents reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities Tuesday and take frequent breaks when outside. Those with asthma or lung conditions should follow their action plans and carry quick-relief medications.
“Schedule outdoor activities in the morning when ozone levels are lowest and typically good on the Air Quality Index,” DEM advised in the alert.
Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. Residents can monitor real-time updates through the AirNOW app or by visiting airnow.gov. Additional forecasts are available on DEM’s air quality page at dem.ri.gov/airquality.
Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants react with sunlight and heat, typically creating the poorest air quality during afternoon and early evening hours — exactly the conditions forecast for Tuesday.
