DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Southwest Coastal Region of Maine

August 12, 2025

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Ozone is now expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category this afternoon in the Southwest Coastal region which includes: the width of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park. At the same time particle pollution levels are continuing to run in the Moderate range due to wildfire smoke lingering in New England.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:

  • Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

  • Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner

  • Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

In addition to those in a sensitive group, 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 go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov