Air quality alert issued for Thursday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an air quality alert for the afternoon and into the evening Thursday.

RIDEM says the poor air quality will be due to elevated ground level ozone because of the heat.

Fine particles readings are also expected to be up, particularly around Providence.

Rhode Islanders can reduce air pollutant emissions by limiting car travel and the use of small engines, like lawn mowers. Additionally, Rhode Islanders are advised to limit outdoor activity and stay inside in air conditioning, especially in the afternoon.

Poor air quality can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It can also aggravate asthma and other respiratory ailments.