Community Corner

Air-pollution Advisory Upgraded to Alert for Fridley, Twin Cities

Alert about more serious conditions is set to expire at midnight Wednesday.

The air just got worse. Well, the in effect until midnight Wednesday is now a more serious air-pollution health alert.

Here's how the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency explains it. Take care.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has upgraded the air pollution health advisory issued for the Twin Cities to an air pollution health alert effective from 3 p.m. until midnight on Wednesday, June 27. An air pollution health advisory remains in effect for Rochester for the same period. Hourly ozone concentrations are expected to reach a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Twin Cities early this evening.   
At-risk Populations:
Ozone is expected to reach 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:
Temperatures in the low 90s, clear sunny skies, and lighter than expected southwesterly winds carrying wildfire smoke are promoting the creation of ozone in the Twin Cities and Rochester today.  As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to exceed 100 AQI in the Twin Cities and reach  93 AQI in Rochester today. Measured ozone concentrations are the highest in the north metro suburbs today, but ozone levels remain elevated across the metropolitan area. Increased winds speeds and slightly cooler temperatures are expected to improve air quality conditions to an AQI in the mid-60’s on Thursday.

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