Media Release

Health and Environmental Advisory For Residents of Conimicut Point

Updated on September 19, 2003

Residents of Conimicut Point continue to deal with strong odors coming from a decaying mass of organic materials (fish, shellfish and seaweed) lingering off the coastline. In a recent development, DEM reports the results of continuous measurement of air quality at the Conimicut beach. The stationary monitor found hydrogen sulfide at 90 parts per billion (90ppb) or greater over a three-hour period during Thursday, September 18th. This finding exceeds the level (30ppb) at which federal guidelines recommends avoiding long-term exposure. Measurements from Thursday night and Friday morning indicate levels ranging from 0 to 90ppb. Based on these and previous results, levels of hydrogen sulfide appear to fluctuate widely depending on the wind direction and tide. DEM will continue monitoring the air quality in the area.

As a result, HEALTH now recommends the following:

• Exposure to hydrogen sulfide at this level can cause short-term health effects such as nausea, irritated eyes and throat—even in healthy people. Avoid exposure whenever possible.
• People with chronic respiratory conditions (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may experience health effects of breathing air contaminated with this amount of hydrogen sulfide.

• Contact your health care provider for advice about your individual health problem and the potential effects of exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
• If you take medications for your condition, make sure you have a sufficient supply and take them faithfully
• Leave the area, if possible, when the smell worsens

Report any continuing problems, and any suspected sources of those problems, to DEM’s Office of Compliance and Inspection at 222-1360. (For after-hours emergencies, call 222-3070.) For more information, go to the DEM website at www.state.ri.us/dem . Also check the HEALTH website at for information about hydrogen sulfide, common sense recommendations about how to reduce exposure to the bad odor and other health updates.

Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH
Director of HEALTH

Jan Reitsma
Director of DEM