Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Friday, July 1, 2022, and are expected to reach unhealthy levels, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a news release. 

“Ozone levels rose to unhealthy levels in upwind areas on Wednesday. While most of New England is GOOD for ozone on Thursday, ozone in the Mid-Atlantic states was rising,” said DEP.

Winds turn on Friday and are expected to bring ozone into the Gulf of Maine where it is expected to impact coastal areas from Kittery through Acadia National Park. At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals suffering from a respiratory disease such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:

-Adjusting your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.

-The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/

-For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site epa.gov/asthma to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.

In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and 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:

• Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:
  • EnviroFlash, EPA’s email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html
  • Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html
  • EPA’s mobile app is available at: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/

• DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196