More Informational Links

The following links are provided as a service to you. Each of these links will take you to web pages which are not controlled by the State of Maine.

Physicians can request a free desktop display with air quality information and business cards for their patients convenience.

Air Quality Links

EPA created the Air Quality Index (AQI) to categorize air quality levels. AQI explained in more depth.

AIRNow is EPA's web presence for Air Quality Forecasts and Information. Maine air quality forecasters cooperate with EPA Region 1 and other forecasters in the region to coordinate forecast mapping for the Northeast Air Quality Forecast map. In addition, one can view near real time data maps. Maine's Air Quality Forecasters forecast by AQI category but the submitted forecast values within that category are chosen to get the maps to look like they should. So please keep that in mind when viewing actual forecasted values through AIRNOW. AIRNow has begun providing AQI forecasts and current conditions in Keyhole Markup Language (kml) format for display in 3D viewers such as Google Earth. In addition, Maine DEP's GIS Unit also offers other selected data in a format viewable via Google Earth.

CamNet was initiated by the NorthEast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) which is an association of the air pollution control agencies of New York, New Jersey and the six New England states. However, funding and technical support are provided by a number of governmental and non-profit organizations. Two cameras are located in Maine at the following locations: Acadia National Park and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

Ever wonder if one person can make a difference? AIRNOW offers tips on how you can reduce air pollution.

Health Links

In addition to air quality other health hazards exist. People should also pay attention to the UV Radiation Index. EPA's Sunwise program includes information about UV Radiation and its harmful effects as well as forecasts of the UV Radiation Index both in nationwide maps and also specific to your zipcode.

Pollen is also a health concern. A hospital in Bangor measures pollen and mold levels several days a week. WebMD provides more information on pollen levels.

Educational/Interactive Link

The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently introduced Smog City 2, a new, interactive Web site that teaches how weather and human activities affect air quality. Most of the unhealthy air in the United States is caused by ozone and particle pollution. Air pollution can cause health effects such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. This on-line tool helps explain how and why ozone and particle pollution form and what can change polluted conditions by simulating actual city conditions.

Using an interactive air pollution simulator to control the air quality in Smog City shows how individual choices, environmental factors, and different types of land use affect air pollution. In Smog City , you are in charge - so whether your visit is a healthy or unhealthy experience depends on the decisions that you make. To learn more about air quality education or enter Smog City 2, go to www.smogcity2.org or www.airnow.gov and click on "Students."

Environmental and Weather Information from Tribes in Maine

Several tribes in Maine have environmental programs and have information available on the web. Here are a few links to environmental and, in some cases, weather information from these tribes: Aroostook Band of MicMacs (this site also has a web cam); Penobscot Indian Nation ; and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township.

Weather Links

Weather resources abound on the internet however for your convenience we provide state, National Weather Service (NWS)and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) links as follows: Maine Weather, NWS Gray, NWS Caribou, NWS IWIN, and NOAA READY.

Indoor Air Cleaners

Ozone in the lower atmosphere is a pollutant. There is no doubt about that. While ozone is able to clean the air, one needs to monitor its use very closely to avoid unhealthy levels. This is a very complicated process and not easily accomplished without sophisticated monitoring equipment and continuous vigilance.

An "In Our Back Yard" article written about air purifiers.

The Maine Indoor Air Quality Council covers general indoor air quality issues.

The U.S EPA deals with indoor air in general and ozone generators/air purifiers more specifically.

California Air Resources Board has issued a report assessing the health impacts of indoor air pollution. Air 'purifiers' that emit ozone were included in their list of indoor air pollution sources which contribute to asthma, respiratory disease and more.

Air Quality Forecast