The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until noon EDT today. The Air Quality Alert for the Eastern Interior and Mid-Coast regions has been discontinued for today, Friday Oct 4. The forecast is Moderate for the day. However, fires are not easily predictable and intermittent flareups could happen. Those in towns near the Orrington fire and within the Penobscot River Valley should pay attention. There could be sporadic hours with higher values. If you smell smoke any one with a respiratory or heart disease, children, teenagers and the elderly should limit prolonged exertion. Asthmatics should follow their action plans. Watch for shortness of breath or heart palpitations. 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. 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.
