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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Free Lead Dust Tests

Maine CDC offers free home lead dust test kits to families with young children or children on the way. Order a free home lead dust test kit. Watch our video to see how to do the test.

Approval Criteria

Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) before they can begin in-office testing.

• Proof of current use of ImmPact2 Immunization Registry.
• Written protocols for testing a patient's blood lead and reporting results to the patient's parent/guardian within the same office visit and the reporting of test results to CLPPP within 48 hours.
• CLIA Certificate of Waiver.

How to Apply for Approval

To apply for approval, submit an application by mail or email to: