The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health alert for the Twin Cities and Rochester for Thursday, Feb. 11, through Saturday, Feb. 13. As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, pollution monitors in the Twin Cities and Rochester indicate fine particle levels are approaching a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Light southeasterly winds and surface high pressure are encouraging fine particle transport and buildup in the region. Fine particle levels are expected to continue to build through Saturday morning, and will begin to fall as surface high pressure moving over the Northern Plains generates moderate north-northwesterly winds. These winds will disperse pollutants and are expected to lead to good Air Quality Index (AQI) levels on Sunday, Feb. 14.
By Thursday evening, AQI levels in the Twin Cities and Rochester are expected to reach 107, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. On Friday, the AQI is expected to peak between 110 and 120. By the end of the day Saturday, air quality is expected to improve to moderate conditions and should be good by Sunday.
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 events, people should also postpone burning wood and reduce their energy consumption.
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, and coughing and fatigue, even after air quality has improved. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician. Even individuals who are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when air pollution increases.
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 or text message.
