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St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health
alert for the northern two-thirds of Minnesota due to smoke blowing in from
forest fires in Canada. While air quality briefly improved following rain
showers on Sunday and Monday, heavy smoke is returning to Minnesota behind the
storm system. As of 9:00 a.m. Monday, air quality across the northern
two-thirds of Minnesota had reached unhealthy levels. Air quality is
expected to remain poor throughout the day on Monday.
While air quality is currently
good across southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, smoke may return to
the area later today. For current air quality conditions visit www.pca.state.mn.us/aqi or download the MPCA's mobile app, "Minnesota Air".
The MPCA issues an air
pollution health alert when air quality conditions reach unhealthy for
sensitive group levels, or an AQI greater than 101.
At-risk populations: Fine
particle pollution has reached a level considered unhealthy for everyone.
Everyone, not just those in sensitive groups, may begin to experience some health effects. Members of sensitive
populations may experience more serious health effects. Populations sensitive
to fine particles include those with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory
disease, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in activities
requiring extended or heavy exertion, both indoors and outdoors. Members of
these groups are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous activity and
minimize exposure to local sources of air pollution (i.e.,heavy duty vehicle
traffic, wood fires, and candles). Even individuals who are otherwise healthy
may experience health effects when pollution levels increase.
Health impacts: Exposure to high levels of fine particles has been
linked with both respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Fine particles
may exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and may cause individuals to
experience chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. If
you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.
Pollution-reduction tips: Fine particles are produced from
combustion activities, which include fossil fuel-based energy generation, motor
vehicle exhaust, gasoline-powered yard and lawn equipment, and wood burning.
Conserving energy, buying clean renewable power, and utilizing alternate means
of transportation, such as mass transit, will all reduce your daily
contribution to air pollution. During air quality alerts, residents are
particularly encouraged to postpone or reduce vehicle trips and engine idling,
the use of gasoline-powered equipment, and burning wood.
To receive daily air quality
forecasts and air quality alert notifications by email or text message sign up
at http://mn.enviroflash.info.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution health alert for the northern two-thirds of Minnesota. As a result of forest fires in Canada, fine particle pollution has reached a level considered unhealthy for everyone in much of northern Minnesota.
While air quality is currently good in southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, smoke may return to the area later today.
Fine particle pollution can cause people ot experience respiratory and cardiovascular health effects, including chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue. The MPCA advises people who experience these symptoms to contact their physician.
The most up-to-date information on air quality is available on the MPCA's website, or on their mobile app, "Minnesota Air".
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The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar
www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
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