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The environment where we live, work, and play affects our health. The Rhode Island Environmental Public Health Tracking Network makes connections between health and the environment. Our data can be used to:

Spotlight Data

2024 Partial Solar Eclipse, Rhode Island

Key Findings

  • On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
  • Rhode Island will not experience a total solar eclipse, but the state will see a significant partial solar eclipse.
  • A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. When the moon completely blocks the face of the sun, it is called a “total solar eclipse.” When the moon partially blocks the face of the sun, it is called a “partial solar eclipse.”

Why It Matters

Looking directly at the sun is always dangerous and can cause permanent eye damage. Eclipses can be a rare and exciting phenomenon, and it’s important to protect your health while viewing the eclipse. Follow these tips and learn more at health.ri.gov/eclipse.

  • Be prepared to view the eclipse. If you’re spending time outside, wear sunscreen and dress appropriately for the weather. Have a plan for how you will view the eclipse.
  • Use ISO-compliant eclipse glasses or solar viewing glasses. Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, do not use the device. Sunglasses are not dark enough to safely view the eclipse.
  • Experience the eclipse WITHOUT looking at the sun. Objects with small holes (like a colander/strainer or slotted spoon) will cast a shadow of the eclipse on the ground, this is called an indirect viewing method.
  • Supervise children closely, including children using solar eclipse glasses.
  • Stay focused while driving. Do not look at the sun while driving. Park in a safe location and use eclipse viewers if you would like to view the eclipse.

View the 2024 Partial Solar Eclipse story map by the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning.

 

Take a closer look at the data. Read a data story.

 

Climate Change

Climate change

Educational Impacts of Lead

Educational Impacts of Lead

Lead in Drinking Water

lead in our drinking water

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Data Story
 

In the News

April 2024
Experience the April 8 Solar Eclipse Safely in Rhode Island

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Rhode Island will not experience a total solar eclipse, but the state will see a significant partial solar eclipse. Eclipses can be a rare and exciting phenomenon – but it’s important to take steps to protect your health while viewing the eclipse.

Remember: Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage. Follow these tips to safely experience the eclipse.

June 6, 2023
What to know about asthma rates in RI and why Providence is an asthma 'hot spot'

Rhode Islanders with asthma have faced a challenging environment this spring as high pollen counts and smoke from wildfires in Canada can aggravate symptoms. And Rhode Island has a higher percentage of asthma sufferers than the national average, according to the state Department of Health. Providence, in particular, is an asthma "hot spot" for the state, the department says. Click here to read more about asthma rates in Rhode Island.

February 18, 2022
RIDOH Funds Community Schoolyard Greening and Cooling Projects

RIDOH's Environmental Public Health Tracking and Climate Change and Health programs are distributing small grants of $10,000 each to three Health Equity Zones and their partners to complete projects to help cool schoolyards, address inequities in greenspace and shade, build climate resilience, and educate students and teachers on the importance of trees, shade, and clean air for health.

The effects of extreme heat are not felt evenly across all neighborhoods. Schools located in areas with low tree canopy often lack outdoor green spaces where children can play and learn safely out of the sun; have hotter classrooms; and are subject to excessive heat for children when walking to and from school. Click here to learn more about this project.

October 29, 2021
RIDOH's Cake/Heavy Metal Poisoning Outbreak Published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

Recently, a study titled Cake Decorating Luster Dust Associated with Toxic Metal Poisonings Rhode Island and Missouri, 2018-2019 was published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). This details a foodborne outbreak investigation that was jointly conducted in 2018 by RIDOH’s Center for Food Protection, Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology, and the State Health Laboratories. Rhode Island’s investigation was the first to identify the "luster dust" cake decorating ingredient as an emerging risk for foodborne illness.

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