Air quality alert issued through Saturday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is issuing an air quality alert through Saturday, July 1.

RIDEM said the alert is due to Canadian wildfires that are spreading unhealthy fine particles throughout the atmosphere.

The Air Quality Index readings have reached unhealthy levels late Friday, they added.

“With only very light wind flows expected, the smoke plume will continue to impact with hazy skies and unhealthy fine particles readings on state air quality monitors,” the department said.

Breathing particle pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath.

The DEM recommends residents who may be sensitive to air pollution or who have preexisting heart or lung conditions to stay indoors with windows closed and to wear an N95 mask when outdoors.

People with asthma or other lung disease, people with heart disease, older adults, and children and babies are at higher risk at these times.