AUGUSTA — Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine Friday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection). The elevated ozone levels are expected to be confined along the coast, from Kittery through Acadia National Park, and within that area, unhealthy levels of ozone are expected from Cumberland through Knox County coastal towns.

At elevated 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:
• Adjust your schedule to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.
• Consult the Maine CDC website for information on the health impacts of extreme heat and appropriate actions to take.
• The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site.
• For more information on asthma control visit EPA's website  to find information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management.In addition to those in a sensitive group, sports coaches, elder care workers, nurses and 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:

Additional information:
• Air Quality Forecast page
• EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system
• Twitter, for sign up information
• EPA's mobile app
• DEP's toll free air quality hotline: 1-800-223-1196