Hot hazy summer makes it hard to breathe

by Doug Saball
    You might remember the 1963 hit song by Nat King Cole: “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, those days of soda and pretzels and beer.” I remember hearing this song when I was young. I never thought that those “hazy… days of summer” would cause my difficulty in breathing! The culprit for the “hazy days” we experience in Maine is typically ozone and particulates.
    Ozone is a highly reactive and unstable gas capable of damaging living cells like those present in the linings of the human lungs. This pollutant forms in the atmosphere through complex reactions between chemicals emitted from vehicles, industrial plants, consumer products and many other sources. The majority of Maine’s ozone comes from upwind sources outside of Maine.
    A nationwide scientific study discovered that long-term exposure to high levels of ground level ozone is linked to significantly higher risk of dying from respiratory diseases. Other studies have shown that exposure to ozone contribute to poor health and difficulty in breathing.
    Particulate matter (PM) also contributes to the “hazy days” of summer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated PM as: coarse (10 to 2.5 micrometers), fine (2.5 micrometers or smaller), and ultrafine (0.1 micrometers or smaller). The small size of particles is directly linked to their potential to cause health problems. Very small particles can get deep into your lungs, and some may even get into your bloodstream. Exposure to such particles can affect both your lungs and your heart.
    In June of 2010 Maine issued several particulate warnings due to wildfires in Quebec, Canada. The wind was in such a direction that the smoke and particulates traveled hundreds of miles into Maine. Other sources of particulate materials include camp fires, brush fires, road dust, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust.
    Numerous scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems, including: coughing, difficult breathing, decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, development of chronic bronchitis, irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart attacks; and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
    People with heart or lung diseases, children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure. However, even if you are healthy, you may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution.
    The best protection you can have is to avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, wood smoke, vehicle exhaust, and other sources of airborne particles. Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion near high-traffic areas. Stay informed about air pollution alerts and advisories from your local weather forecast, and check Maine’s Air Quality Index (AQI) alerts at: www.MaineDEP.com and click on “Maine Air Quality Forecast.”
    If you experience respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, or chest pain) on AQI alert days, consult with a health care professional, as needed.
    This column was submitted by Doug Saball, an environmental specialist with the Maine DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality. In Our Back Yard is a regular column of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. E-mail your environmental questions to infodep@maine.gov or send them to In Our Back Yard, Maine DEP, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.