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St. Paul, Minn.-- The Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health advisory for portions of western, central and southern Minnesota
effective 10 a.m. Friday morning
through 9 p.m. Friday evening. The affected area includes the Twin Cities
metropolitan area, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, St. Cloud and Detroit Lakes.
Forecasted
temperatures in the low 90s, mostly sunny skies, and light south-southwesterly winds
will promote the creation of ozone in the advisory area. As a result, the Air
Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach into the low to mid-90s during the
day on Friday, which approaches a level considered unhealthy for sensitive
groups. Ozone concentrations will be lowest in the morning hours on Friday and
will rise quickly in the late morning/early afternoon hours. Ozone
concentrations will begin to decline overnight Friday as thunderstorms move into
the area, but may increase again on Saturday.
At-risk Populations: Ozone pollution is expected to near a level considered unhealthy for
sensitive groups. Those sensitive to ozone include people with preexisting
respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, the elderly, children, and
individuals who participate in outdoor activities requiring extended or heavy
exertion. These individuals are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous
outdoor activity, or schedule outdoor activity in the morning, when ozone
levels are lower. Even persons who are otherwise healthy may experience health
effects when ozone levels increase.
Health Impacts: Elevated levels of ozone have been linked to
respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Exposure to high levels of ozone
may exacerbate preexisting health conditions. High ozone levels may make it
more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously, cause shortness of breath and
breathing discomfort, and result in coughing and a sore or scratchy throat. If
you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.
Pollution-reduction Tips: Ozone is produced on hot, sunny days by a chemical
reaction between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen. These
pollutants are released from motor vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, paints
and solvents, refueling stations, and other activities that require fuel
combustion. Conserving energy; buying clean, renewable power; and utilizing
alternative means of transportation, such as mass transit, will all reduce your
contribution to air pollution. During air quality alerts, residents are
particularly encouraged to use public transportation, car pool or reduce vehicle
trips and engine idling. Postpone the use of gasoline-powered equipment and avoid
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.
You can find additional information on indoor and outdoor air quality in
Minnesota at www.beairawaremn.org.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an
air pollution health advisory for
portions of western, central and southern Minnesota from 10 a.m. Friday morning through 9 p.m.
Friday evening. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metropolitan area,
Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, St. Cloud and Detroit Lakes.
As a result of elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly,
people with heart or lung problems, and people who engage in strenuous exercise
or physical work may notice health effects such as shortness of breath,
coughing, or a scratchy throat.
Sensitive individuals in these areas are advised to postpone
or reduce vigorous activity, and be alert for any cardiovascular or respiratory
symptoms that require medical attention.
Ozone concentrations are expected
to decline overnight Thursday as thunderstorms move into the area, but may
increase again on Saturday.
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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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