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News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: July 10, 2007
Contacts:
DEM-Air Resources
Karen Slattery
222-2808 x7030		 Department of Health
Robert Vanderslice
222-7766		 American Lung Association
Molly Clark
421-6487
RIPTA
Karen Mensel: 784-9500 x115
Bus information: 781-9400		 DEM-Director's Office
Gail Mastrati 222-4700 x2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 x4418		  

AIR QUALITY ALERT - HEALTH ADVISORY

All RIPTA routes, excluding special services, will be free on Wednesday, July 11, 2007.

Providence, Rhode Island, July 10, 2007 - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is predicting that air quality will approach unhealthy levels in Rhode Island on Wednesday. The levels will stay high overnight Tuesday and that will continue into the morning and afternoon on Wednesday. The poor air quality is due to elevated levels of fine particles in the ambient air. Fine particles are produced by a wide variety of natural and manmade sources, including factories, power plants, motor vehicles, fires and windblown dust.

Help reduce emissions from power plants by turning off lights, computer screens and other electrical appliances when not in use. Avoid any kind of wood burning or open burning. Rhode Island residents can help reduce air pollutant emissions by taking public transportation and carpooling.

The Department of Health warns that short-term exposure to elevated levels of fine particles can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Short-term exposures also can aggravate symptoms of asthma and bronchitis and can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. For people with heart disease, short-term exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter increases the risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias. Long-term exposures can cause decreased lung function, chronic respiratory disease and even premature death. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are more sensitive to the effects of breathing fine particles than other people, especially when they are active outdoors.

When fine particle concentrations and ozone levels are elevated, all people, especially those in the sensitive groups, should limit prolonged and strenuous outdoor activity. Unlike ozone, fine particle concentrations can be elevated throughout the day, even in the early morning hours, so susceptible people should reschedule heavy outdoor activities to days with lower particulate levels. Individuals who experience respiratory or cardiac symptoms should consult their doctors.

Particulate levels can also be elevated indoors when outdoor levels are high. Smoking and the use of candles, fireplaces and wood stoves can also cause elevated indoor levels of fine particles.

The unhealthy levels of fine particles are expected to last as long as the stagnant air mass is present. The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Lung Association reminds people that "when you can't breathe nothing else matters."

Below are some ways that you can help contribute to lower fine particles and keep the air cleaner:
  1. Limit driving. Avoid unnecessary car trips. Carpool, walk or ride the bus or a bicycle whenever possible.


  2. Minimize starts and avoid unnecessary acceleration. Combine errands to reduce " cold starts" of your car and avoid extended idling.


  3. Maintain vehicle. Keep car, boat and other engines properly tuned, and avoid engines that smoke.


  4. Conserve electricity. Consider setting your thermostat a little higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Participate in local energy conservation programs.


  5. Wood burning. Consider using gas logs instead of wood. If you use a wood burning stove or fireplace insert, make sure it meets EPA design specifications. Burn only dry, seasoned wood.


  6. Avoid burning. Don't burn if you don't have too. Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.


  7. Minimize lawn mower emissions. Tune-up your lawn mower and use electric or handpowered equipment if possible.

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