#MEwx Air Quality Alert in effect today

Air Quality Alert Message

Relayed by National Weather Service Gray ME

7:25 AM EDT Mon Jun 26 2023

Northern Oxford-Northern Franklin-Central Somerset-Southern Oxford-

Southern Franklin-Southern Somerset-Interior York-

Central Interior Cumberland-Androscoggin-Kennebec-Interior Waldo-

Interior Cumberland Highlands-

Including the cities of Upton, Wilsons Mills, Andover, Byron,

Middle Dam, Roxbury, South Arm, Coburn Gore, Davis, Oquossoc,

Rangeley, Avon, Kingfield, Phillips, New Portland, Brassua,

Long Pond, Moosehead, Pittston Farm, Seboomook, Bingham, Jackman,

Bethel, Bryant Pond, Hanover, Locke Mills, Milton, Newry, Rumford,

Norway, Fryeburg, Oxford, Farmington, New Sharon, New Vineyard,

Temple, Wilton, Chesterville, Jay, Athens, Cornville, Skowhegan,

Palmyra, Pittsfield, Embden, Madison, Hollis, Alfred, Lebanon,

Sanford, Goodwins Mills, Buxton, Limington, Berwick, New Gloucester,

Gray, North Windham, Gorham, Greene, Lewiston, Sabattus, Wales,

Minot, Turner, Auburn, Livermore Falls, Augusta, Sidney, Windsor,

Vassalboro, Waterville, China, Palermo, Brooks, Jackson, Knox,

Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Waldo, Winterport, Unity, Bridgton,

Harrison, and Naples

 

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air

Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until

11 PM EDT this evening.

The Maine DEP is expecting particle pollution from smoke to rise to

unhealthy levels fo sensitive groups today.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that

individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to

reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be

especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants

include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing

respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and

anyone who is working hard outdoors. It is okay to be active

outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of

breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in

your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of

your outdoor activities.

A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine

residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll

free number is: 1-800-223-1196.

Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has

the air quality forecast available on the web at

www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.