Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: September 19, 2003
Contact: Robert J. Marshall, PhD 222-1017

HEALTH and DEM Update Advisory on Conimicut Point 
Hydrogen Sulfide Levels Fluctuate Widely 
Special Advice for People with Chronic Respiratory Illness

Today the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) and RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM) provided an updated advisory for residents of Conimicut Point in Warwick. The area continues to deal with strong odors coming from a decaying mass of organic materials (fish, shellfish and seaweed) lingering off the coastline. The City of Warwick will distribute the advisory to households most affected by the odor.

Tests of air quality performed by DEM indicate that the level of sulfur dioxide in the air fluctuates widely from 0 parts per billion (0ppb) to 90ppb or more. DEM will continue to monitor the air quality and provide information to the public.

HEALTH recommends that people with chronic respiratory diseases contact their health care providers, faithfully take their medicine and leave the area, if possible, when the odors or symptoms worsen.

Both DEM and HEALTH provide websites and phone numbers where individuals can get more information.