Air Quality Alert Issued For Twin Cities On Friday

TWIN CITIES, MN — An air quality alert has been issued for the Twin Cities metro area Friday because of expected high ground-level ozone levels, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The alert takes effect at noon Friday, May 29, and runs until 9 p.m. It includes the Twin Cities metro area and the Prairie Island Tribal Nation.

Air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, MPCA said.

Ground-level ozone is expected to be high Friday afternoon because mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and low humidity will create conditions for pollutants to react with sunlight and form ozone, according to MPCA.

High, thin clouds are expected, but enough sunlight should reach the surface for ozone formation, officials said.

Ozone levels are expected to reach alert criteria around noon and subside after sunset. Additional ozone alerts may be needed over the weekend if cloud cover is less than expected, MPCA said.

People who are more likely to be affected by unhealthy ozone levels include:

— People with asthma or other breathing conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema

— Children and teenagers

— People doing extended or heavy physical activity, including playing sports or working outdoors

— Some otherwise healthy people who are more sensitive to ozone

Unhealthy ozone levels can aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and COPD, according to MPCA.

People with those conditions may experience difficulty breathing deeply, shortness of breath, throat soreness, wheezing, coughing or unusual fatigue.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should use inhalers as directed and contact a health care provider, MPCA said.

MPCA recommends that people take precautions when air quality is unhealthy, including:

— Take it easy and listen to your body

— Limit, change or postpone physical activity

Stay away from local sources of air pollution, such as busy roads and wood fires, when possible

— Keep a rescue inhaler nearby if you have asthma or another breathing condition

— Follow a written asthma action plan, if you have one

MPCA also recommended steps to reduce pollution on alert days, including reducing vehicle trips, using public transit or carpooling, filling gas tanks at dawn or dusk, postponing use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment, and avoiding backyard fires.