Air quality plays a crucial role in our overall health. Understanding how air pollution affects us can help individuals and communities make informed decisions. The MaineTracking Network is unique in that it combines and standardizes data from multiple programs, allowing us to see the connections between environmental factors and health.
New this week is a suite of interactive maps and dashboards including:
- Near real-time data
- Current EPA Air Quality Index
- Forecasts
- Maximum Air Quality Index
- Modeled Ground-level Smoke
- Historical
- Days that Exceeded Air Quality Index Thresholds
- Ozone: 1980-2023
- Particulate Matter (PM): 2002-2023
- Daily Maximum Concentrations of Air Pollutants
- Ozone: 1980-2023
- PM: 2002-2023
- Days that Exceeded Air Quality Index Thresholds
What is the Air Quality Index?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool designed to provide clear and simple information about local air quality. It helps individuals understand how air pollution may affect their health and what steps they can take to protect themselves. The AQI measures five major pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act:
- Ground-level ozone
- Particle pollution (particulate matter)
- Carbon monoxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
AQI values range from 0 to 500. When values exceed 100, air quality is considered unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups like children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
The MaineTracking Network provides AQI maps both in near real-time to show current air quality, as well as forecast maps to see what the air quality will look like tomorrow.
Understanding Ozone and Particulate Matter
- Ground-Level Ozone: A primary component of smog, ozone forms when pollution from power plants, factories, and vehicles reacts with heat and sunlight. It tends to be most problematic on summer days when winds bring ozone to Maine.
- Particulate Matter: These tiny particles, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets, can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. While particulate pollution can be present year-round, it can worsen when air is stagnant or when smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces, or vegetation fires is present.
The MaineTracking Network provides 45 years of ozone data and 20 years of PM data along with qualitative data about potential sources of pollution on unhealthy days.
Air Quality Trends in Maine
The good news is that the number of high ozone days in Maine has been declining over the past two decades. However, there are still days each summer when ozone levels reach unhealthy levels – and levels of PM have not declined over time, due to increased impact of regional wildfire smoke in recent years. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can help minimize the health risks associated with air pollution.
How Air Pollution Affects Health
Exposure to outdoor air pollution is linked to various health conditions, particularly asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that:
- Many individuals with asthma experience worsened symptoms when ozone and particulate matter pollution levels are high.
- Long-term exposure to air pollution can damage the lungs and contribute to the development of asthma in children.
- Breathing high levels of fine particulate matter over time increases the risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
- Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (over hours or days) can also heighten the risk of heart-related conditions in certain individuals.
Check out data for asthma and heart attacks in Maine.
How to Protect Yourself from Air Pollution
- Know Your Risk: Understand your susceptibility to air pollution, particularly if you have asthma or cardiovascular disease.
- Monitor Air Quality: Stay informed about air pollution levels in your area using the Air Quality Index.
- Plan Accordingly: Adjust outdoor activities to avoid high-pollution times and locations.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you experience respiratory or heart-related symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.
By using the MaineTracking Network, you can access valuable data to help you make informed decisions about your health and environment. Stay informed, stay safe, and breathe easier.