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Maine DEP Issues Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, Thursday

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is issuing an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday and Thursday.

Ozone is expected to reach levels ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Particle Pollution is expected to be Moderate statewide on Wednesday because of smoke from Canadian wildfires entering the region.

There were more than 200 wildfires burning in Canada as of Tuesday, with over 100 classified as “out of control,” according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Ozone has been building over the Mid-Atlantic region on Tuesday, and was projected to move over Southern New England and into Maine on Wednesday.

Maine DEP says particle pollution for the entire state of Maine is expected to remain in the Moderate range Thursday since smoke can be slow to clean out.

“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,” said a release from Maine DEP.

“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.”

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