As it shown on the front of my Mango, the county I live in, York, Maine, scored an "F" for 2005. More specifically, there were 22 days which were deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups and 5 days found unhealthy for all people. For more details please review the York County, Maine score card, the State of Maine report card, and the State of the Air 2005 full report. I also encourage you to visit the American Lung Association's Indorr and Outdoor Air Quality resource page.
Lastly, please read the Press Release issued in response to this report:
1-800-499-5864Augusta, April 28.. Today the American Lung Association released its 2005 State of the Air report. The comprehensive report gives letter grades for ozone and particle pollution levels throughout the nation. State and regional analysis is provided, as well as information on the health effects of these pollutants.
Edward Miller, CEO of the American Lung Association of Maine said, .this report is important because it once again confirms that air pollution continues to pose a health threat to Maine people and to many people throughout the country.
He also stated, .Despite the apparent improvement in air quality in recent years, we are increasingly concerned by the large number of studies that show harmful health impacts at levels we used to consider safe. This is true of both ozone and particulates. These impacts are particularly evident on the over 100,000 with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, as well as over 300,000 Maine people with cardiovascular disease. This is why measures currently under consideration by the Maine Legislature, such as the bill to bring cleaner cars to Maine, are vitally important to the health of Maine citizens.
Miller went on to say, .Ozone air pollution is a chronic problem, affecting the entire airshed of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Over the past twenty years, there has been a trend toward a decreasing ozone level in Maine. Ozone levels in 2001 indicate this trend may not be sustaining, however, especially when one considers the effect of summertime weather conditions.
For more information about the 2005 State of the Air report (on April 29), and about the American Lung Association of Maine.s work to reduce air pollution, go to www.mainelung.org.
Ozone in Maine
Of the nine counties with monitors: Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Penobscot, and York received F.s; Kennebec received a D; and Oxford received a B. There was insufficient data for the period to grade Sagadahoc and Piscataquis counties. County; however, Sagadahoc received F.s for the (1998-2000, 1997-1999, and 1996-1998) grading periods.
Ozone is a powerful oxidizer, which can damage the lungs and breathing passages, causing them to become inflamed, reddened and swollen. This inflammation is sometimes compared to sunburn. There is no safe ozone level above background levels.
Ozone responses include: coughing, burning sensation and shortness of breath. These responses can even occur in healthy people who exercise outside on high ozone days.
Particulate Air Pollution
Fine particles in the air come from coal-fired power plants, factories, and cars. These Fine particles are easily inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can remain embedded for long periods of time.
Hundreds of community health studies have linked daily increases in fine particle pollution to reduced lung function, greater use of asthma medications, and increased rates of school absenteeism, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and premature death.
Particle Pollution in Maine
Particle pollution monitors are in nine counties: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, York. All received at least a B for the 24 hour average grade with the exception of Androscoggin County (which received a C); eight received .Pass. for the annual grade; annual grade information was incomplete for Knox County.
Though Maine received good overall grades for particle pollution, many of Maine.s citizens are exposed to this pollutant in wood smoke, diesel trucks and equipment, and other sources of combustion.
State Agency Contacts: