Providence - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Alert for Providence due to widespread smoke from a large mill fire at 498 Kinsley Avenue in Providence. Air quality levels should remain UNHEALTHY for Providence through at least late day Tuesday. Air quality monitors in Providence and as far as East Providence have detected VERY UNHEALTHY ongoing fine particle readings, which began at 2 a.m.
Light winds and relatively poor mixing should result in high levels of fine particles and compromised air quality in the Providence area for the remainder of the day. With the fire under control and the source of the fine particles contained, levels will slowly recede throughout the day, but are expected to remain UNHEALTHY.
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.
With the elevated concentration of fine particles in the air, 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 during 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 doctor.
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."