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Summer 2003

In this Issue

This issue of Minnesota Environment takes a close look at an air pollutant receiving a great deal of scientific attention recently — fine particulate matter, otherwise known as “PM_2.5.” What makes this air pollutant so noteworthy? First, scientists know that the particles can aggravate heart and lung problems. And numerous studies have linked elevated levels of airborne particles to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits. Second, no clear solution to the problems caused by fine particulates is apparent. If you care about the air you breathe, you owe it to yourself to learn about this emerging pollution problem in this issue of Minnesota Environment magazine.

Feature Articles

Fine Particle Air Pollution: It’s a Small World: Fine particles of air pollution — particulate matter to those in the know — are tiny but can cause big problems. Read this article to learn more about this emerging issue.

Where There’s Fire, There’s Smoke-Related Pollution: The pollution generated by wildfires can travel thousands of miles before touching down and it can be simply annoying or downright dangerous. Read this article to get more facts about wildfires and the environment.

Out of a Clear Blue Sky: Air pollution affects not only urban areas, but national parks and wilderness areas as well. Read this article to find out how some scenic views have become clouded.

Eye on the Sky: St. Paul’s “hazecam” went online in July. Read this article to find out where and why.

A Small Mystery: How might fine particles cause illness? The research into this issue is still fairly new, but details are starting to emerge. Read this article to find out more.

Take Particular Care: When an Air Pollution Alert is issued for elevated levels of fine particles, what should you do? Read this article to learn more about protecting yourself.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Outgoing EPA director Christie Todd Whitman and Governor Tim Pawlenty both had high praise for Clean Air Minnesota — a program to encourage voluntary reductions of air pollution. Get with the program by reading this article.

The Diesel Blues: Designers of trucks, buses and even military tanks love diesel engines because for their efficiency and safety. But as anyone knows that has driven behind a vehicle with a heavy-duty diesel engine, the emissions can be gritty and foul. Read this article to see what is being done to clean up these emissions.

Regular Features

Also in this issue:

About Minnesota Environment Magazine

The mission of this magazine is to provide Minnesota citizens and businesses with the information they need to protect and improve the environment. Minnesota Environment focuses on good solutions to common environmental problems. It also explores emerging environmental issues in Minnesota, and the impacts those issues are having, or are likely to have. And because activities here in Minnesota can have effects elsewhere, some articles in this magazine will examine national or global environmental issues we contribute to and can help alleviate.

Each edition of Minnesota Environment also includes a "Compliance Matters" section which contains information of particular interest to businesses that need timely information about environmental rules and regulations. Readers will also find a training calendar listing events that provide opportunities to keep current with, and learn more about, environmental management.

Reprinting articles from this magazine

If you are an editor of a newspaper or newsletter, please feel free to reprint feature articles from Minnesota Environment. Here's how:

Each article has a "text only" version available for downloading, which is located on each individual article page.
Credit the MPCA with the statement, "Reprinted with permission of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency."
You may not alter the text.
You may not use photos or graphics without permission from the original source. Contact Carol Pruchnofski at 651-296-7793 or carol.pruchnofski@pca.state.mn.us for information about the graphics in Minnesota Environment.

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