PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Anticipating that air quality will reach an unhealthy level because of a humid air mass and a higher than usual amount of ground-level ozone, state officials have announced rides on all regular buses and trolleys run by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will be free on Thursday.
The Department of Environmental Management said it anticipates that ozone levels will continue particularly in the southern areas of the state as long as hot sunny weather persists.
According to DEM and health officials, the higher levels can cause throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to respiratory infection and aggravation of asthma, all of which can be worsened by exercise and heavy activity.
By Richard C. Dujardin