AIR QUALITY ALERT

October 3, 2024

Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG) level in the Eastern Interior and Mid-Coast Regions for today and tomorrow according to Air Quality Meteorologists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Smoke from a fire in Orrington is causing high particle pollution levels at local monitors, one of which was sited by the Maine DEP on Wednesday to measure localized air quality. The winds in the Penobscot River Valley are expected to remain from the south over the next 24 hours. Maine DEP is issuing this air quality alert as authorities anticipate that the fire is expected to burn for at least one more day. While valley locations will be especially susceptible to higher levels of particle pollution, all areas in the vicinity should take precautions.

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, call the contacts listed above or go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.