AUGUSTA — For the second Friday in a row, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued an air quality alert for Friday, July 22.

Ground-level ozone concentrations will climb in Maine on Friday and are expected to reach unhealthy levels, according to the Maine DEP. Unhealthy levels are expected along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park.

Inland areas are expected to be in the moderate range. Unhealthy levels of ozone may continue into Saturday.

At elevated ozone levels, children, healthy adults who exert themselves, and individuals with any respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder can experience reduced lung function and irritation, the DEP said.

When this happens, individuals may notice a shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation and/or experience an uncomfortable sensation in their chest.

Experts recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.

For more health information, go to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/.