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Particle Pollution and Your Health

Particle pollution is a pollutant that includes both solid particles and liquid droplets found in air. Particle pollution is associated with serious health affects including increased hospital and emergency room visits for people with respiratory and heart disease. Particle pollution also effects the natural environment in which we live. It is the major source of haze that reduces visibility in many parts of the United States. When deposited on soil and water, it can harm the environment by changing the nutrient and chemical balance.

What is particle pollution? Where does it come from?

"Particle pollution" is the term for particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. These particles come in a wide range of sizes. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter tend to pose the greatest health concern because they can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are termed "fine" particles. Some particles are directly emitted into the air. They come from a variety of sources such as cars, trucks, buses, factories, construction sites, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and burning of wood. Other particles may be formed in the air from the chemical change of gases. They are indirectly formed when gases from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor. These can result from fuel combustion in motor vehicles, at power plants, and in other industrial processes

What are the health effects and who is most at risk from exposure to particle pollution?

  • When exposed to particle pollution, people with existing heart or lung diseases-such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, or ischemic heart disease-are at increased risk of premature death or admission to hospitals or emergency rooms.
  • The elderly also are sensitive to particle pollution exposure. They are at increased risk of admission to hospitals or emergency rooms and premature death from heart or lung diseases.
  • When exposed to particle pollution, children and people with existing lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as they normally would, and they may experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
  • Particle pollution can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, causing more use of medication and more doctor visits.

How do I know when particle pollution concentrations are high?

Particle pollution concentrations can be elevated throughout the year. Maine DEP staff developed a procedure to inform the public about particle pollution readings. Each morning, Maine DEP staff retrieve and review monitored particle pollution data and weather information. When particle pollution levels are elevated and are expected to remain elevated, staff report the levels on the air quality hotline and the air quality forecast website. Whenever unhealthy particle pollution concentrations are expected, staff will issue an "advisory" message. Particle pollution concentrations are made available to the public in the following ways:

  • 24-hour toll free Air Quality hotline: 1-800-223-1196
  • Online in this site - daily forecasts
  • EnviroFlash -- Email and text message alert system established by EPA in cooperation with MEDEP.
  • Local Media

How can I get additional information?

Contact DEP Bureau of Air Quality staff at DEP offices in:

Augusta: Tyson Building, AMHI, (207)287-2437
Bangor: 106 Hogan Road, (207)941-4570
Portland: 312 Canco Road, (207)822-6300
Presque Isle: 1235 Central Drive, (207)764-0477

Visit the following web sites: