The Maine Department of Environmental Protection warns that ground-level particle pollution concentrations are forecasted to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG) level this Saturday, July 18th,  due to wildfire smoke drifting in from Manitoba and Ontario, Canada.

The smoke plume is expected to move back over Maine during the day on Saturday, with air quality measured by a 24-hour average forecasted at the USG level.  Some hours may experience particle pollution levels even higher than this ange.  Residents are encouraged to follow health recommendations that suit their individual needs.

Smoke conditions may improve by midday Sunday, but due to the unpredictable nature of wildfire smoke, the Maine Department of Enriconental Protection advises checking their website or calling the toll-free Air Quality Hotline at 800-223-1196 for the latest updates throughout the weekend.

Elevated particle pollution levels can affect sensitive groups such as childen, older adults, outdoor workers and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.  Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, throat iritation and mild chest pain.  Even healthy adults engaging in outdoor physical activity might notice these effects.

Some actdions you can tdake to protect your heath, dring such periods, include:

Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity; Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner and asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy.