Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health alert for the Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud through midday Thursday, January 14th. Air Quality Index values (AQI) in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud are above 101, the level at which air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Calm winds and a strong temperature inversion are encouraging fine particle formation and buildup in the region. These conditions are expected to persist until midday Thursday. Conditions are expected to improve this afternoon as wind speeds increase and become northwesterly. Those with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, young children, the elderly, and physically active individuals are the most sensitive to elevated levels of air pollution. Since fine particles can be drawn deeply into the lungs, it is a good idea to reduce or postpone activities that lead to deep or accelerated breathing. Exposure to high levels of fine particles may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue, even after air quality has improved. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician. Even individuals that are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when air pollution increases. Everyone can take steps to reduce contributions to local air pollution. Reducing motor vehicle emissions by carpooling, combining trips, avoiding idling, and using alternate transportation all help. During poor air quality events, residents should also avoid burning wood and reduce their energy consumption. For hourly air quality updates, visit the MPCA AQI Web site at http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/. Sign up to receive daily air quality forecasts and air pollution health alerts by email at http://mn.enviroflash.info.