Air quality alert issued due to wildfire smoke for Tuesday, July 20, through Thursday, July 22, – Page 1 Publications

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air Quality Alert for northern, central, and southeastern Minnesota effective Tuesday, July 20 through Thursday, July 22, at 6 a.m. The area affected includes Hibbing, International Falls, Bemidji, Roseau, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Brainerd, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato and the tribal areas of Leech Lake, Red Lake, Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs, Upper Sioux and Prairie Island.

Heavy smoke from forest fires north of the Canadian border in Ontario and Manitoba was transported overnight by north winds to northern Minnesota. Today, particulate matter levels are expected to stay in the Purple AQI category, a level considered very unhealthy for anyone in northern central Minnesota. There will be heavy smoke development in this area until Wednesday. Tomorrow, particulate matter levels are expected to be in the red AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for anyone in northern Minnesota.

Smoke is expected to mix to the ground over northern Wisconsin and advance into central and southeastern Minnesota this afternoon. Particulate matter levels in central and southeastern Minnesota are expected to reach the Orange AQI category today, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and remain in the Orange AQI category tomorrow. Fine particulate matter levels will improve across the state starting Wednesday evening as winds begin to clear the smoke from the state. The air quality across the country is to be lowered below the alarm thresholds by Thursday morning.

People whose health is affected by unhealthy air quality: There are people who are more likely to be affected when the fine dust pollution reaches an unhealthy level.

People with asthma or other breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
People with heart disease or high blood pressure.
Children and older adults.
People of all ages who participate in prolonged or heavy physical activities such as sports or work outdoors.
Health Effects: Air pollution can exacerbate heart and cardiovascular diseases, as well as lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. When air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or tiredness. If you get any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your doctor.

Take Precautions: Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy.

Make yourself comfortable and listen to your body.
Limit, change or shift your level of physical activity.
Whenever possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution such as busy roads and wood fires.
If you have asthma or other breathing problems like COPD make sure you have your relief / rescue inhaler with you.
People with asthma should review and follow the directions in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment with your doctor if you don’t have an asthma action plan.
Tips to Reduce Pollution: The main sources of particulate matter pollution are all activities that use fuel. Saving energy and buying clean, renewable energy are great lifestyle choices for reducing overall pollution.

Reduce vehicle journeys.
If possible, encourage using public transport or carpooling.
Postpone the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden tools on air alert days. Instead, use battery-powered or manual devices.
Avoid backyard fires.
For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to subscribe to daily air quality forecasts and alerts via email, text message, phone, or the Minnesota Air mobile app, visit the MPCA Air Quality Index website. For more information on indoor and outdoor health and air quality, visit the Air Quality and Health website.

source https://outdoorsportsnews.com/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-tuesday-july-20-through-thursday-july-22-page-1-publications/