The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health alert for the southern half of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, Rochester and Marshall, for Thursday, February 4, through Friday, February 5. The MPCA has issued an air pollution health advisory for the same period for central Minnesota, which includes Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth and St. Cloud,
The MPCA issues an air pollution health alert when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds or is expected to exceed 101, the level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. An air pollution health advisory is issued when the AQI is expected to exceed 90.
Air pollution monitors across the Upper Midwest indicate fine particle levels are elevated. Light southerly winds, high pressure, and increased moisture are encouraging fine particle concentrations to build to levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. As a result, AQI levels in the Twin Cities and Rochester are forecasted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups on Thursday and Friday, with an expected peak AQI of about 120.
Late Friday, as winds shift to east-northeasterly and become more moderate, fine particle levels will slowly begin to fall. Fine particle levels will continue to decrease Saturday, and AQI levels will likely be good by Sunday.
Those with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, young children, the elderly and individuals who participate in activities that require heavy exertion 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. Even individuals who have no health problems may experience health effects when air pollution increases. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.
Everyone can help 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 periods, people should also postpone 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 at http://mn.enviroflash.info to receive daily air quality forecasts and air pollution health alerts by e-mail.
