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St. Paul,
Minn.-- The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health
alert for southwestern Minnesota including the Marshall area, effective March
31, 2014. Gusty southeasterly winds are blowing smoke from wildfires in
Kansas into the region, causing fine particle pollution to reach a level
considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Elevated fine particle levels are
expected to persist through Monday morning, improving later in the day as a
winter storm moves through the region.
Updated
information on air quality conditions across the state is available on the
MPCA’s Air Quality Index website at www.pca.state.mn.us/aqi.
At-risk
populations: Fine particle levels are above a level considered
unhealthy for sensitive groups. Populations sensitive to elevated fine particle
levels include those with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory disease,
the elderly, children, and people who participate in activities requiring
extended or heavy exertion, both indoors and outdoors. Members of these groups
are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous activities 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 is linked with both
respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Fine particles may exacerbate
pre-existing health conditions and may cause people to experience chest pain,
shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing of fatigue. If you experience these
symptoms, contact your physician.
Pollution-reduction
tips: Fine particles are produced from combustion activities,
including 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.
Visit http://www.pca.state.mn.us for
information on current air quality conditions in your area. To receive daily
air quality forecasts and air quality alert notifications by email or text
message, sign up at http://mn.enviroflash.info.
Minnesota’s AQI is now
available on mobile devices. Download the Minnesota Air App at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/9du9wp3.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency has issued an air pollution health alert for southwestern Minnesota
including the Marshall area.
Gusty south-southeasterly winds
are blowing smoke from wildfires in Kansas into the region, causing levels of
airborne fine particles to reach levels considered unhealthy for sensitive
groups. The elevated levels are expected to persist through this morning,
improving later in the day as a winter storm moves through the region.
During an alert, the elderly,
children, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and people engaged
in strenuous activity may be at greater risk of respiratory and cardiovascular
health effects. Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing,
coughing, or unusual fatigue should contact their physician.
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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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