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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that can vaporize into air. VOCs are in thousands of daily use products, including paint, varnish, wax, and various cleaning, degreasing,…

Excess phosphorus is harming Minnesota waters. Phosphorus comes from both regulated and non-regulated sources. A quarter of Minnesota lakes have high levels of phosphorus, which means that they do…

The MPCA recognized 236 wastewater facilities for outstanding operations in 2024.

As part of the PFAS pollution prevention law called Amara’s Law, manufacturers are required to report intentionally added PFAS in products sold in Minnesota and pay a fee. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended the reporting due date to Sept. 15, 2026.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels—including gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, and wood—and other natural and synthetic products. Breathing in…

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as nitrogen oxides. NO2 reacts with other chemicals in the air to form other pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter,…

Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a foul-smelling toxic gas, is part of a larger group of chemicals called sulfur oxides. These gases, especially SO2, are emitted by the burning of fossil fuels or other…

Particulate matter (PM) refers to various air particles, including dust, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets that range in size from less than 0.1 microns in diameter (smaller than a single bacterium)…

Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ozone can irritate the eyes, nose and throat,…

Countless bacteria can be found in land, water, humans, and animals. Most bacteria are beneficial, serving as food for larger organisms and playing critical roles in natural processes such as organic…