The State of Rhode Island will begin its annual Ozone Alert Program starting Wednesday, May 1.
The program, which seeks to raise public awareness of ozone’s dangers, is a cooperative initiative of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health. The Ozone Alert Program is set to run through the end of the summer season and encourages residents to reduce air pollutant emissions by limiting their car travel and their use of small engines, lawn mowers and charcoal lighter fluids.
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To help cut down on the use of cars, all regular RIPTA routes — excluding special services such as the Beach Bus Express and the water ferry — will be free on “Ozone Alert Days.” The DEM has the responsibility for designating “Ozone Alert Days” which occur when ozone levels and air quality reach unhealthy levels.
On hot summer days, pollutants emitted by cars, factories, power plants, lawn and garden equipment and other sources combine to form ground level ozone. Ground level ozone concentrations can reach unhealthy levels during the summer months, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours. Short-term exposure to the ozone can cause shortness of breath, chest pains, throat irritation, coughing and wheezing. Children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and those who work, exercise or play strenuously outdoors are particularly at risk when ozone levels are high.
RIPTA is reimbursed for rides on each ozone day by the federal government through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Act (CMAQ).
For more information about ozone and other environmental issues, please call DEM at (401) 222-2808 or visit DEM’s Web site. To learn more about ozone and the Ozone Alert Program, people can also pick up the Ozone Alert brochure entitled “Why is the Sky Blue?” available at RIPTA information outlets.
For information on RIPTA bus service, schedules and fares, please call (401) 781-9400.
