For Immediate Release

AUGUSTA, August 12, 2025 — Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. 

Ozone is now expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category this afternoon in the Southwest Coastal region which includes: the width of 1 to 2 towns wide along the coast from Kittery through Reid State Park.  At the same time particle pollution levels are continuing to run in the Moderate range due to wildfire smoke lingering in New England.

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.  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 include:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
• Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
• If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

• Maine CDC asthma prevention and control
• USEPA's asthma control and management
• AIRNOW for smoke impacted areas

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:

• Maine DEP’s Air Quality Forecast
• Maine DEP's Air Quality Hotline: 1-800-223-1196
• USEPA’s EnviroFlash email and text alert system
• USEPA’s AIRNOW Fire and Smoke Map
• USEPA’s AIRNOW Mobile App
• Governor Mill’s “Wildfires and Air Quality” online resource

For more information go to Maine DEP’s air quality web site.