MPCA Extends Air Pollution Health Advisory Through Tuesday

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health advisory due to forecasted increases in ozone pollution for the Twin Cities metropolitan area effective from noon until midnight on Monday, July 2 and Tuesday, July 3.

At-risk Populations: Ozone is expected to near a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Those sensitive to ozone include people with preexisting respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in outdoor activities requiring extended or heavy exertion. These individuals are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous outdoor activity, or schedule outdoor activity in the morning, when ozone levels are lower. Even persons who are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when ozone levels increase. 

Health Impacts: Elevated levels of ozone have been linked with respiratory health effects. Exposure to high levels of ozone may exacerbate preexisting health conditions. High ozone levels may make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously, cause shortness of breath and breathing discomfort, and result in coughing and a sore or scratchy throat. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician. 

Pollution-reduction Tips: Ozone is produced on hot, sunny days by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen. These pollutants are released from motor vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, paints and solvents, refueling stations, and other activities that require fuel combustion. Conserving energy; buying clean, renewable power; and utilizing alternative means of transportation will all reduce your contribution to air pollution. During air quality advisories, residents are particularly encouraged to postpone or reduce vehicle trips; engine idling and refueling; the use of gasoline-powered equipment; working with paints and solvents; and burning wood. 

Current Air Quality Conditions and Forecast: On Monday, July 2, forecasted temperatures in the mid-90s, sunny skies, and moderate south - southeasterly winds carrying wildfire smoke are expected to promote the creation of ozone in the Twin Cities. As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach 97 AQI in the Twin Cities on Monday, which is just below air quality conditions considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ozone concentrations will be the lowest in the morning hours and will gradually rise in the afternoon and early evening.

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Ozone concentrations will begin to decline overnight but are expected to increase to mid-moderate AQI levels on Tuesday afternoon. Over the next six days the AQI forecast is: Sunday–87, Monday–97, Tuesday–77, Wednesday–87, Thursday–87, and Friday–67. The MPCA monitors pollution levels on an hourly basis and will notify the public if air quality conditions reach advisory or alert levels. The MPCA website is currently unavailable. For hourly air quality updates, visit the EPA’s national air quality website, www.airnow.gov. Minnesota air quality data is available directly at: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=24&tab=0.