PORTLAND, Maine — Air quality in Maine is expected to reach "unhealthy" levels on Wednesday, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The Maine DEP said in a news release that ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to hit a level it calls "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," or USG.
Scientists predict ozone is expected to reach USG levels along the Maine coast from Kittery to Bar Harbor.
Moderate ozone levels are expected for the Down East coastal and western and eastern interior regions, according to the release. The western mountains and northern regions will have "good" ozone levels.
"Meanwhile, Particle Pollution is expected to be Moderate statewide on Wednesday," the release added.
Other areas in southern New England already saw USG ozone levels on Tuesday. The airmass is projected to move into Maine on Wednesday.
The Maine DEP said a front is expected to push down from the north on Thursday, bringing moderate levels of ozone to the coastline. Ozone is expected to be good quality for the remainder of the state Thursday.
As for particle pollution Thursday, the entire state except for the northern region is projected to have moderate levels.
"At elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation," the release said. "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."
Here are some actions you can take to protect your health, according to the Maine DEP:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
- Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
- Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plans handy
There will also be several cooling centers set up throughout the state Wednesday to help Mainers beat the heat. You can find a list of the cooling centers here.
Here are additional health and air quality information resources:
- Maine CDC asthma prevention and control
- EPA's asthma control and management
- AIRNOW for smoke-impacted areas
- Maine DEP’s Air Quality Forecast
- Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
- EPA’s EnviroFlash email and text alert system
- EPA’s AIRNOW fire and smoke map
- EPA’s AIRNOW mobile app
- Gov. Mills' "Wildfires and Air Quality" online resource
