Notes:
See “current conditions” here.
Conditions are reported as CODE RED–over 150–in Brainerd, Ely, and Virginia. Duluth is reporting 149. This is just for “fine particles (PM2.5). Ozone levels are low at the moment but are forecast to increase to CODE YELLOW levels later in the week.
Fine particles, ozone, heat, humidity and allergens (pollen, mold, etc.) are cumulative health stressors. Take the health threat seriously!
Under these conditions, very highly-polluting smokestack facilities such as the poultry litter incinerator in Benson, all the garbage incinerators in the state, and the “biomass” burners in Hibbing and Virginia should SHUT DOWN. Electricity generation should shift from coal to gas when possible.
Below is from the MPCA:
am
Poor air quality in Minnesota due to smoke from Canadian fires
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sent this bulletin at 07/06/2015 10:35 AM CDT
Air quality in the northern 2/3 of Minnesota is unhealthy for everyone.
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news release
For release: July 6, 2015
Contact: Steve Mikkelson, 218-316-3887Poor air quality in Minnesota due to smoke from Canadian fires
St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health alert for the northern two-thirds of Minnesota due to smoke blowing in from forest fires in Canada. While air quality briefly improved following rain showers on Sunday and Monday, heavy smoke is returning to Minnesota behind the storm system. As of 9:00 a.m. Monday, air quality across the northern two-thirds of Minnesota had reached unhealthy levels. Air quality is expected to remain poor throughout the day on Monday.
While air quality is currently good across southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, smoke may return to the area later today. For current air quality conditions visit www.pca.state.mn.us/aqi or download the MPCA’s mobile app, “Minnesota Air”.
The MPCA issues an air pollution health alert when air quality conditions reach unhealthy for sensitive group levels, or an AQI greater than 101.
At-risk populations: Fine particle pollution has reached a level considered unhealthy for everyone. Everyone, not just those in sensitive groups, may begin to experience some health effects. Members of sensitive populations may experience more serious health effects. Populations sensitive to fine particles include those with preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory disease, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in activities requiring extended or heavy exertion, both indoors and outdoors. Members of these groups are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous activity and minimize exposure to local sources of air pollution (i.e.,heavy duty vehicle traffic, wood fires, and candles). Even individuals who are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when pollution levels increase.
Health impacts: Exposure to high levels of fine particles has been linked with both respiratory and cardiovascular health effects. Fine particles may exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and may cause individuals to experience chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or fatigue. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.
Pollution-reduction tips: Fine particles are produced from combustion activities, which include fossil fuel-based energy generation, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline-powered yard and lawn equipment, and wood burning. Conserving energy, buying clean renewable power, and utilizing alternate means of transportation, such as mass transit, will all reduce your daily contribution to air pollution. During air quality alerts, residents are particularly encouraged to postpone or reduce vehicle trips and engine idling, the use of gasoline-powered equipment, and burning wood.
To receive daily air quality forecasts and air quality alert notifications by email or text message sign up at http://mn.enviroflash.info.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution health alert for the northern two-thirds of Minnesota. As a result of forest fires in Canada, fine particle pollution has reached a level considered unhealthy for everyone in much of northern Minnesota.
While air quality is currently good in southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, smoke may return to the area later today.
Fine particle pollution can cause people ot experience respiratory and cardiovascular health effects, including chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue. The MPCA advises people who experience these symptoms to contact their physician.
The most up-to-date information on air quality is available on the MPCA’s website, or on their mobile app, “Minnesota Air”.
###The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
This email was sent to amuller@dca.net using GovDelivery, on behalf of: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road North · Saint Paul, MN 55155 · 1-800-439-1420
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