Weather conditions and transport winds favor higher levels of ozone for the Maine coast beginning Saturday and continuing into next week, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection said.

Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine and are expected to reach unhealthful levels.  Each day has the potential for some areas, especially along the coast, to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range on the Air Quality Index. 

The timing and location of afternoon showers and thunderstorms will determine how high ozone levels climb. Maine DEP issues the air quality forecast every day by 3 PM for the next
day. 

Particle pollution levels will also be climbing across the state, the DEP advised.

At high 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; if you are indoors, close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air
conditioner; and avoid using aerosol products such as cleaners, paints and other lung
irritants.

More information is available at  http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/index.htm and www.epa.gov/asthma.