Canadian Wildfires: Air Quality Alert Issued For Minnesota

TWIN CITIES, MN — If you woke up Friday to a very hazy sunrise, a runny nose, and experienced coughing, blame the smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is issuing an air quality alert for southwest, western and central Minnesota, effective Friday, September 1 beginning at 9 a.m. through 6 a.m. Saturday, September 2.

Canadian wildfire smoke continues across much of southern, western and central Minnesota. Air pollution monitors are showing an increase in fine particles as thicker smoke moves north from northwest Iowa into the southwestern portion of Minnesota. Smoke will continue to persist and move northward as southerly winds develop across western Minnesota.

During this time, fine particle pollution is expected to remain at, or above, a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Showers and thunderstorms will approach western and northwestern Minnesota this evening helping to disperse smoke in some areas, according to a news release.

Southwest and central Minnesota will continue with higher fine particle levels through the overnight hours until precipitation arrives. By Saturday morning, most areas of smoke will be pushed south and dissipated.

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

• People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• People who have heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Children and older adults.
• People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors.

Health effects: Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider.

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

• Take it easy and listen to your body.
• Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level.
• If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires.
• If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD make sure you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you.

Image via National Weather Service