Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air Pollution Health Advisory because conditions are right for high ozone levels in the Twin Cities metro area for Sunday June 24 through Monday June 25. Tuesday June 26 is forecast to be high in both ozone and fine particles due to increased humidity. On Wednesday, northerly winds will bring cooler, drier air into Minnesota which will greatly reduce air pollution levels. A high pressure system with light winds and increased humidity will be moving into Minnesota tomoroow that will lead to hot temperatures, sunny skies and enhanced ozone formation Sunday through Tuesday. In addition, light southerly winds will bring moisture and pollutants to the region increasing fine particle production on Tuesday. These conditions are forecasted to result in ozone readings around 95 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on all three days and an AQI in the 90s for fine particulates on Tuesday. Ozone levels should be low in the early mornings, but will build through the day and peak in the late afternoon and in the early evening. Advisories are issued when the AQI levels reach or are forecasted to reach the 90s, which is near the threshold that is unhealthy for sensitive groups with respiratory problems such as asthma(and cardiovascular problems when it is a particulate event) as well as senior citizens, children and physically active adults. Sensitive groups should avoid vigorous or prolonged exercise especially in the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels will be the highest. Others, including athletes and other healthy adults should consider early morning activities, or reducing or postponing heavy exertion (play shorter games, walk instead of run, rotate players more frequently, etc.). Moving indoors to an air conditioned environment will reduce ozone exposure. PLEASE HELP REDUCE AIR POLLUTION DURING THIS ALERT:
* reduce driving when possible and don't idle your vehicle engine (vehicle exhaust contributes to ozone and particle formation)
* refuel only when it's cool - early morning or after 8 p.m.
* postpone use of lawnmowers and other small gas or diesel engines
* postpone use of paints or solvents which promote ozone formation
* postpone recreational fires
To check hourly updates of the AQI, visit: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/ For additional information on reducing air pollution, visit Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) at: http://www.mn-ei.org/air/resources.html