(AUGUSTA)-- Ground-level ozone concentrations will be climbing in Maine on Thursday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Unhealthy levels are expected along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park. Moderate levels of ozone are possible in the Downeast Coast as well as the Western Interior region. In addition, moderate levels of particle pollution are likely for the Portland area.

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.

The weather will also be extremely hot and humid Thursday, Aug. 11, so sensitive people, including older adults, infants, those with chronic diseases, including asthma or COPD, and those who work outside, should be especially cautious, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Stay cool, in an air conditioned space if possible; lie low; and drink plenty of fluids.

Some actions to take to protect health during periods of unhealthy air quality include:
Adjusting 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 (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/).

The Maine CDC Asthma Prevention and Control Program has asthma information available at their web site: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/mat/index.htm

For more information on asthma control visit EPA's Web site www.epa.gov/asthma 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:

Air Quality Forecast page: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ which has links to:

EnviroFlash, EPA's email and text alert system, http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/enviroflash.html

Twitter, for sign up information go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.html

EPA's mobile app is available at: http://m.epa.gov/apps/airnow.html

DEP's toll free air quality hotline is 1-800-223-1196

For more information call the contacts listed above or go to DEP's air quality web site http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/ .