• Read more about PFAS and Well Water

Federal or state agencies may have been testing water for PFAS in private wells near or at your home. Testing for PFAS is usually only done when there is reason to think there is the possibility of well water contamination. Testing for these chemicals in well water is expensive and only done by a few laboratories.

If you are concerned about whether these chemicals are in your well water, contact one of our toxicologists to discuss whether testing your well water makes sense. Please call 866-292-3474 (tollfree in Maine), 207-287-4311, or Maine Relay 711.

• Read more about PFAS in Maine

PFAS refers to a family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS have been used in many household and industrial products since the 1940s. These chemicals have been used to make products repel water and resist stains and grease. PFAS have been used in carpets, fabric, clothing, food packaging, pots and pans, and personal care products. PFAS are also key ingredients in some fire-fighting foams. Some PFAS chemicals are no longer used in manufacturing.

• Read more about Cold-related Illness

Prolonged exposure to the cold can be dangerous and life-threatening. During Maine's long winters, people are at risk of cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. People most likely to be exposed to dangerous cold include those who lack shelter, work outdoors, or live in homes with inadequate heat. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs, and people with cognitive impairments or mental health conditions are at increased risk.

• Read more about Pollen

Pollen refers to the tiny grains or seeds released by flowering plants, trees, weeds, and grasses while they are blooming. Levels of pollen in the air are highest in spring and fall.

Exposure to pollen can cause allergic reactions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which results in sneezing, runny nose, and congestion; or allergic conjunctivitis, which causes red, watery, itchy eyes. Pollen can also worsen the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

• Read more about Workers and Heat Illness

Cool Down & Drink Up To Beat Maine Heat

While most Mainers don’t associate our state with extreme heat, hot days are increasingly more common, and it is important to be prepared.

• Read more about Prepare for Hot Weather

Preparing for Very Hot Weather

One of the best ways to prevent heat illness is to be prepared for very hot weather. There are several things you can do to get yourself, family, home, and community ready to stay cool.

• Read more about At-risk Groups

Who should worry about heat illness?

Some people are more likely to get sick from heat and should take extra care to keep cool when it is hot out.

What to Do: In general, make sure people have access to air conditioning, monitor them for signs of serious illness, encourage them to drink more fluids, and talk with their health care provider if they take medications.

Caregivers, relatives, and neighbors need to check on people that are not able to take care of themselves during hot weather.

• Read more about Recognize Heat Illness

Heat-related illnesses happen when your body cannot cool itself. Some heat illnesses are mild, like heat rash, sunburn, and heat cramps. Others like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration can be severe or even life-threatening and may require emergency medical care. Download a wallet card about signs and symptoms (PDF).

• Read more about Heat-Related Illness

Here in Maine, we don't have very hot weather too often. So when it does get really hot, we are more likely to become sick from heat. This is because our bodies are not used to high heat, and many of our homes and buildings do not have air conditioning.

Certain people like older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people who have chronic diseases or who are sick already may feel much worse or have serious problems in extreme heat.

• Read more about Climate and Health

Maine's climate, like the rest of the world's, is changing, and these changes may have a significant impact on the health of Maine people. A warming climate will lead to more frequent and extreme weather events and may contribute to longer pollen seasons and further spread of vectorborne diseases.