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The AQI was developed to provide a simple, uniform way to report daily air quality conditions.
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 frequent wildfires in California and elsewhere, brought on by climate change, are affecting air quality for thousands of miles. That includes 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.
In 2023, Minnesota saw more air quality alerts covering more days than ever before. Smoke from Canadian wildfires throughout the summer caused many of the alerts, though climate change is playing a growing role in Minnesota's air quality.
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…
Air quality dispersion modeling uses a computer model to estimate air pollution concentrations from regulated facilities and other sources of pollution.
From January through March 2025, MPCA air monitoring data showed elevated lead levels that exceeded national ambient air quality standards near the facility. An MPCA inspection of Gopher Resource in spring 2025 confirmed that the source of the elevated lead levels was addressed.
Air sensors are instruments that measure air quality conditions in near real time.
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.
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.
Smith Foundry has ceased operations at its East Phillips facility after an investigation and settlement with the U.S. EPA that the MPCA supported.
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…
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…
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. The alert takes runs until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14. Air quality is expected to reach the purple AQI category in northernMinnesota, which is very unhealthy for everyone.
Forecast discussion
Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category across all of Minnesota, which is unhealthy for everyone.The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has…
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. The alert runs until 6 p.m. on Monday, June 2. Air quality is expected to reach the red AQI category in northern Minnesota, which is unhealthy for everyone. The rest of the state will reach the orange AQI category, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.