Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Mark Sulzbach, 651-296-7768 Technical contact: Rick Strassman, 651-296-7754 St. Paul Minn. -- First, the good news: Because ozone pollution requires hot sunny weather, the ozone season ended here in Minnesota Sept. 30, as cooler fall weather moved into the area. However, microscopic airborne particles emitted from vehicles, power plants and industry are the other significant pollutant likely to cause air quality alerts here in Minnesota. The bad news - particles do not require hot sunny weather to form. Particle pollution problems can occur at any time and fall and winter are prime seasons for higher particle levels. "In fact, our state's worst recorded air pollution levels were due to particles, and occurred in January and early February 2005," said Rick Strassman, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) air monitoring supervisor. This particle event, like most during cold weather, was the result of a temperature inversion (warm air on top of cold air) and stagnant winds that trapped particles and other air pollutants, causing them to build up - like putting a lid on a pot of boiling water. The particles of most concern are "fine" particles. Fine particles are those less than 2.5 microns in diameter, so small that a minimum of 30 could fit across the diameter of a human hair. These tiny particles are a concern because they can pass through the lungs, enter the bloodstream and can trigger cardiovascular problems. Currently, Minnesota meets all air quality standards for particles, but more and more studies reveal increasing health risk links. According to the American Heart Association, "During the last decadeepidemiological studies conducted worldwide have shown a consistent, increased risk for heart and blood vessel problems, including heart and stroke deaths, in relation to exposure to present-day pollution, especially particulate matter." The elderly, especially those with existing heart and lung problems or diabetes, are at greatest risk. This December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is likely to propose more protective air quality standards for particle pollution. If Minnesota or any state fails to meet new air standards they will have to increase air quality regulations, which will likely have financial implications for businesses and consumers. Every day we add to particle pollution as we drive, heat our homes, light a wood fire, turn on televisions, lights and computers, mow the lawn or use a snow blower. As energy prices increase there should be plenty of incentive to reduce your energy use, with the added benefit of helping to maintain our air quality. Transportation
· Drive fewer miles. Bus, bike, carpool or walk more often.
· Stop idling! Even diesel vehicles made after the mid-1990s need only one minute to warm up and can be easily restarted. A car needs only 30 seconds to warm up.
· Consider purchasing a more efficient vehicle. Hybrids purchased before by Dec. 31, 2005 are eligible for a $2,000 tax deduction. Hybrids purchased after Jan. 1, 2006 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit.
At Home
· Get an energy audit. For a modest fee local energy providers will inspect your home heating, cooling, insulation and air leak problems and tell you the best way to save money each year in energy costs.
· Limit wood smoke. Consider a natural gas fireplace indoors or replacing fireplaces built before 1992. Outdoors make only small recreational fires outside. Never burn leaves or green branches.
· Put on a sweater. Turn your thermostat down. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home temperature based on your routine.
· Save electricity. Turn lights and appliances off when not in use. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce lighting energy 60-75 percent compared to incandescent light bulbs.
· Buy Energy Star appliances to save energy. Some may even qualify for tax breaks.
Additional resources on the Web
· MPCA Air Quality Index: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/
· MPCA Air Quality Report: hhref="/publications/reports/lraq-1sy05.pdf
· Minn. Dept. of Health: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/air/
· American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4419
· EPA particle information: http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/pm/index.html
· EPA wood stove information: http://www.epa.gov/woodstoves/basic.html
· See also the Minn. Dept. of Commerce and Energy Web site and type in "energy" for energy saving tips at home.