UNE’s Kathryn Brandt discusses air quality alert on WMTW
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory and air quality alert on Monday, as temperatures soared into the 90s.
The air quality alert affected coastal Maine from Kittery to Acadia National Park. People were urged to limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
People with asthma, chronic pulmonary disease or other respiratory issues can be especially vulnerable to health risks when the air quality is poor.
Kathryn Brandt, D.O., M.S., MedL, chair of the Primary Care Department at the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine, told WMTW the best course of action for avoiding problems is to limit activities.
“Drink lots of water," she said. "The primary treatment is avoidance. Take it easy. If you’re going to exercise, do it in the morning or do it inside."
Brandt went on to explain the elderly are also at a higher risk for health issues on poor air quality days, as are children and teenagers because their lungs are still developing.
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