Hot weather also bringing season's first ozone alerts
3:14 PM Fri, Jun 06, 2008 | Permalink
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It’s only 60 degrees outside, but authorities are already worried about the potential health risks that we’ll be dealing with this weekend when the temperature shoots past the 70s, past the 80s, and settles in the mid-90s for a few days. The state’s Department of Environmental Management has issued its first air quality alerts of the year for this Saturday and Sunday. The same hot and humid air mass that will likely drive people to the beaches this weekend also leads to overall poor air quality and the potential for health hazards. The biggest problem is ozone, which forms near the surface when pollutants –– such as car exhaust and industrial emissions –– react with sunlight and sufficient heat. Ozone can cause a host of respiratory symptoms, including throat irritation, shortness of breath and chest pains. And the National Weather Service reminds us to be on the lookout for heat stroke, often associated with high temperatures and humidity. So limit exposure; don’t do any strenuous work outdoors midday, and pay particular attention to children, elderly and people with lung diseases, who are at the most risk. RIPTA bus and trolley routes are free whenever there’s an alert. Check for updates at the DEM's air quality forecast Web site. Click below for more tips on how to stay healthy during the extreme heat, and get the latest weather at projo.com/weather. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson Limit driving. Avoid unnecessary car trips. Carpool, walk or ride the bus or a bicycle whenever possible. Minimize starts and avoid unnecessary acceleration. Vehicle emissions are highest during starting and acceleration. Reduce idling. Avoid congested traffic and lines at drive-through windows. Drive your lowest emission vehicle. Use the most fuel-efficient, usually the newest, car you have whenever possible. Refuel at stations, which have vapor recovery. Fill your tank at a station which is equipped with a Stage II vapor recovery system. Don't top off. Maintain your vehicle. Get a tune-up at the beginning of each summer. Minimize lawn mower emissions. Tune-up your lawn mower and use electric or hand powered equipment if possible. Limit use of solvent-based household products. Use water-based or low solvent paints, varnishes, cleaners, and personal care products. Limit barbecue emissions. Use an electric starter instead of lighter fluid to start charcoal fires, or use an electric, natural gas, or propane grill. 
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