Department of Environmental Management predicts air quality will reach unhealthy levels

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Department of Environmental Management said Thursday it’s predicting that the air quality will reach unhealthy levels on Friday.

Darren Austin, who’s with the DEM, said the alert is being issued for the entire state because of elevated ground level ozone concentrations. The air quality will reach unhealthy levels during the afternoon and into the night.

Austin said the highest readings will be near the southern parts of the Ocean State along the immediate coastline.

The unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and increase respiratory illnesses, said the DEM. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity.

Austin said children, elderly people, and anyone with underlying lung diseases, like asthma, are at risk of suffering from these effects.

“As ozone levels increase, the number of people affected, and the severity of the health effects also increase,” he said.

To avoid experiencing these effects, the DEM advises people to limit outdoor exercise and strenuous activity and if possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment.

Austin said the air quality can change throughout the day. So, to check the current air quality, visit AirNow.gov. For more information about DEM’s air quality forecast, visit dem.ri.gov.