Air Quality Alert - Health Advisory [Due to Wildfire Smoke]

Published on Friday, June 30, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is notifying the public that smoke impacts from Canadian wildfires will continue, with an Air Quality Alert being issued through Saturday July 1, 2023.  The alert is being issued for UNHEALTHY fine particles on the Air Quality Index, which have reached UNHEALTHY readings at times late Friday.    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.   At this time, it’s expected the smoke will begin to dissipate on Sunday, as steadier southerly flow begins to drive the smoke north of our region.  

The fine particles in smoke are so small that they can get past the body’s natural defenses and get deep into the lungs. Breathing particle pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Some people are more likely to experience health effects from poor air quality, including people with asthma or other lung disease, people with heart disease, older adults, and children and babies.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends people who are sensitive to particle pollution should take the following actions to protect their health:

  • Stay indoors with windows closed during the times significant smoke is affecting your area.
  • Additionally, for people outdoors, N95 masks can reduce exposure to pollutants in smoke plumes. Choose less strenuous outdoor activities and shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
  • Air quality can change throughout the day. Use AirNow.gov or download the AirNOW application for smart phones to check the current air quality and decide if it is a good time to be active outdoors.
  • Particle pollution can make asthma and lung disease symptoms worse. People with asthma should carefully follow their asthma management plan on days when pollution levels are high.
  • For people with heart disease, breathing in particle pollution can increase their risk of heart attack. Be on the lookout for symptoms like chest pain or tightness, fast heartbeat, feeling out of breath, or being more tired than usual, and contact a doctor.

For detailed information, please refer to DEM’s air quality forecast page.

https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/air-resources/air-quality-forecast

Additionally, EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map has detailed information on current air quality readings in your area, including DEM and RIDOH air quality monitors, along with the network of regional low-cost sensors.

https://fire.airnow.gov/