DEM issues unhealthy air quality alert

By Stephanie Vargas 

news@abc6.com

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), has issued an air quality alert for Saturday as a result of heat and humidity. 

DEM officials say they predict the air quality will reach unhealthy levels in areas of Rhode Island on August 16th starting in the afternoon and into the evening hours. 

They believe the unhealthy air quality levels can return on Monday. 

This type of air quality can cause soar throats, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, respiratory infection and asthma to worsen. 

DEM advises anyone who experiences any of the symptoms to consult their doctor

The unhealthy levels will be caused by the elevated ground level ozone concentrations, which is an element of smog that is created by the photochemical reaction of pollutants that motor vehicles, industries and other sources that operate in sunlight release in the atmosphere. 

Residents can help air toxin emissions by reducing and limiting their travel time and the use of small engines, lawn motors and charcoal lighter fuels. 

Some ways to help include:

•    Limiting driving.
•    Decreasing starts and avoiding unnecessary acceleration. 
•    Driving the most fuel-efficient vehicle you own. 
•    Refueling at stations equipped with Stage II vapor recovery.
•    Maintaining vehicles by getting tune-ups. 
•    Giving lawn mowers a tune-up. 
•    Using water-based house hold products.
•    Reducing using grills that require lighter fluid to start the fires. 

(c) WLNE-TV 2015