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The AQI was developed to provide a simple, uniform way to report daily air quality conditions.
An index of biological integrity (IBI) is a particularly powerful tool that provides an accurate measure of the condition of the biological communities and are a direct determinant of the attainment of aquatic life uses.
To ensure that every person in Minnesota has healthy air to breathe, the MPCA studies, monitors, and regulates air pollutants, primarily in three categories: criteria pollutants, air toxics, and greenhouse gases.
When people think of sources of air pollution, they typically think about buildings with big smokestacks like power plants and factories. Only about a quarter of the air pollution in Minnesota comes…
Air pollution levels in Minnesota have steadily decreased over the past few decades and currently meet federal standards. But even levels that meet or are below these standards can affect people’s…
Minnesota’s air currently meets all federal air quality standards. However, even levels of air pollution below the standards can affect people’s health, including levels currently found in parts of Minnesota.
The MPCA strives to ensure all people in Minnesota have clean air, regardless of where they live or work.
Understanding small-scale differences in air pollution is important for minimizing exposure to harmful air pollutants, particularly for vulnerable communities.
The Minnesota State Implementation Plan (SIP) is focused on the six criteria air pollutants regulated by national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): ground-level ozone, fine particles, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
The MPCA's air monitors continually measure pollutants. With this data, the agency can track pollution trends over time and show if outdoor air meets air quality standards and health benchmarks.
Air quality dispersion modeling uses a computer model to estimate air pollution concentrations from regulated facilities and other sources of pollution.
Air sensors are instruments that measure air quality conditions in near real time.
Minnesota is a national leader in ensuring healthy air quality. The Clean Air Act requires states to take significant responsibility for preventing and controlling air pollution. States must pass…
Learn what steps you can take to reduce the pollution from small neighborhood sources.
The frequent wildfires in California and elsewhere, brought on by climate change, are affecting air quality for thousands of miles. That includes Minnesota.
Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category across southern Minnesota, which is unhealthy for everyone.The air quality alert issued by Minnesota Pollution…
Image Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category in northeast Minnesota, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.The Minnesota Pollution…
Minnesota continues to reduce industrial and transportation air pollutants that have the highest potential health risks. Investment in clean air for all Minnesotans is a top priority for the MPCA and Governor Walz.
Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category in southern Minnesota, which is unhealthy for everyone.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has…
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota until 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. The affected area includes International Falls, Hibbing, Ely, and the Tribal Nations of Leech Lake and Red Lake.