DEM extends air quality alert through Thursday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced that another air quality alert has been issued for Thursday.

The department said that significant smoke from wildfires in Quebec will still be traveling through the state.

Air quality alerts have been in place for the last two days as significant haze, reduced visibility, and the smell of burning wood linger.

Organizations like the department and the American Lung Association recommend people with medical conditions to stay indoors, circulate air within homes, and keep an eye out for symptoms, especially in children.

The department also said wearing an N95 mask while outdoors can reduce exposure to pollutants in the air.

Exposure to elevated fine particle pollution levels can affect both the lungs and heart which may cause breathing problems, aggravating asthma and other pre-existing lung diseases.