Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Friday, July 22, 2016

July 21, 2016

Contact: Contact: David Madore, Communications Director, david.madore@maine.gov or (207) 287-5842; Martha Webster, martha.e.webster@maine.gov or (207) 287-8093; Tom Downs, tom.downs@maine.gov or (207) 287-7026

(AUGUSTA)-- Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Friday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Unhealthy levels are expected along the coast from Kittery through Acadia Nat?l Park. The Downeast Coast as well as inland areas close to the coast are expected to be in the Moderate range. There is a possibility that unhealthy levels of ozone might continue into Saturday as well.

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

  • Adjusting your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.
  • Please consult the Maine CDC website for information on the health impacts of extreme heat and appropriate actions to take (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/).
  • The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/index.htm
  • For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site www.epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEP?s air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ .