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July 9, 2007

Ride RIPTA buses for free today

All RIPTA routes – excluding special services -- are free today because of Department of Environmental Management predictions that the air quality will reach unhealthy levels by this afternoon.

The poor air quality is due to elevated ground-level ozone concentrations.

The Department of Health warns that unhealthy levels of ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory ailments. These symptoms are worsened by exercise and heavy activity.

The children, elderly and people who have underlying lung diseases, such as asthma, are at particular risk of suffering from these effects. As ozone levels increase, the number of people affected and the severity of the health effects also increase.

Posted by Kate Bramson  at 9:33 AM | Permalink

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