Bangor needs clean air

Word has it that the diversion for deicer is running in full capacity for Bangor International Airport and the Air National Guard base, located at BIA. We residents of Griffin Park beg to differ.

Has anyone been smelling the deicer that was so prominent during recent nights that while waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Ohio Street and Griffin Road the sweet, chemical smell impounded my car even with all the windows shut? You are breathing what we are breathing, you just may not be aware of what it is. It’s propylene glycol diluted with additives (chemicals) and nobody knows what additives.

So how safe is this to be breathing? Recently, near McDonald’s on Union Street, the odor was so strong one could not help but smell it. Complain if you smell any strange odors in the air, especially near the airport. If you drive on Union Street, or Ohio Street you are breathing the same chemicals that Griffin Park residents are breathing, just not year round or as potent.

We keep complaining and have complained again recently. On Dec. 11 samples were taken of Birch Stream by the Department of Environmental Protection, but not the air. Breathing this air could be detrimental to our health. Yes, steps have been taken by the airport and Air National Guard, but larger steps still need to be taken.

Everyone in Bangor should have clean air to breathe regardless of the roads we travel or where we live.

Ann Birmingham

Bangor