Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory conditions are warned to take precautions today as ozone concentrations are expected to reach high levels today.

When high ozone levels are reached, even healthy individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation, or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that individuals take these actions to protect healthy during periods of unhealthy air quality:

• Avoid strenuous activity, such as jogging, during mid-day.

• Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner.

• Avoid using aerosol products such as cleaners, paints, and other lung irritants.

• Take the day easy.

The EPA reports that because the Air Quality Index standard has been recently revised, it is likely that the Maine Department of Environmental Protections will issue this warning more frequently.