Given the persistence of the Canadian wildfires and the potential impact of the smoke on Maine air quality and public health, it’s important to stay informed and be prepared to protect your health.
Wildfire smoke is unhealthy to breathe and can be especially dangerous for children, older people, pregnant people and people with heart or respiratory conditions. These groups are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches levels considered ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ or above. Healthy people can be affected by wildfire smoke, as can pets, which should be kept inside when air quality is poor. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issues air quality alerts when wildfire smoke or other pollution is expected to affect public health.
Please use this webpage as a resource to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe and healthy.
Maine’s Air Quality – Today
Maine’s current air quality, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index.
| Daily AQI Color | Levels of Concern | Values of Index | Description of Air Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Good | 0 to 50 | Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. |
| Yellow | Moderate | 51 to 100 | Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Orange | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101 to 150 | Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
| Red | Unhealthy | 151 to 200 | Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. |
| Purple | Very Unhealthy | 201 to 300 | Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
| Maroon | Hazardous | 301 and higher | Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
For local information, visit AirNow.gov. Information is also available from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Air Quality Page.
Resources
- Using an N95/KN95 Mask
- Protecting indoor air quality
- Maine CDC on Facebook and X
Guidance by population:
Stay Informed – News and Updates
- Maine DEP: Maine DEP Issues an Air Quality Alert in Response to Canadian Smoke Plume (September 6, 2023)
- Maine DEP: Maine DEP issues Air Quality Alert for Sunday, June 25 (June 24, 2023)
- Maine DEP: Canadian Wildfires Prompts Air Quality Advisory For Maine (May 30, 2023)