Canadian wildfire smoke causing unhealthy air over Maine

Smoke from Canadian wildfires will drift over Maine this weekend, pushing air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range in some areas, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

On Saturday, smoke from the fires is expected to continue moving into the state, with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups) range in northern Maine.

With only light winds in the forecast, the smoke is expected to linger in the region, according to a statement from the DEP.

The rest of the state is projected to remain in the moderate air quality range for particle pollution. Meanwhile, ozone levels are expected to reach the moderate range in the southwest and midcoast regions and remain in the good range for the rest of Maine.

For Sunday, air quality forecasters do not expect wildfire smoke to move out of the state, with northern and western Maine expected to remain in the USG range. The rest of the state is expected to stay in the moderate range.

On Monday, winds may push smoke out of Maine, but another plume from Labrador could affect air quality.

At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation.

Healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation or mild chest pain.

During periods of elevated particle pollution levels, experts recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, closing windows, and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.