MPCA issues air quality alert for much of Minnesota through Monday morning
Air quality alert issued for Minnesota KARE11.com
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Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Triggers Air Quality Alert in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Editor’s Note: The attached video first aired in June 2023.
Introduction
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is creeping down into Minnesota, triggering an air quality alert for much of the state through Monday morning.
Air Quality Alert
An air quality alert is in place from Sunday, May 12 at 11 a.m. through noon on Monday, May 13.
Impact on Minnesota
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), heavy smoke from British Columbia moved into the northern parts of the state Sunday and is expected to reach southern Minnesota by Sunday afternoon.
At-Risk Groups
People with asthma, those with heart disease, children, older adults, and other sensitive groups, plus those who spend extended amounts of time outdoors, are advised to limit “prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.”
Affected Cities
- Brainerd
- Rochester
- St. Cloud
- Winona
- Bemidji
- East Grand Forks
- Moorhead
- International Falls
Air Quality Index
In a graphic posted on social media on Sunday morning, the air quality across Minnesota was in the red AQI category.
An air quality alert for Red/Unhealthy for All has been issued for all of Minnesota through 8am Monday (N MN) and Noon Monday (S MN). Smoke will rapidly onset following a cold front moving from north to south and linger overnight. Keep windows closed tonight. #mnwx #aqi pic.twitter.com/cCGZtgYNh6
— MN Air Quality Index (@mpca_aqi) May 12, 2024
Visible Smoke
On Sunday morning, the smoke was visible from MnDOT traffic cameras in northern Minnesota. This tweet from the NWS shows smoky air near Cook.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has been mixing down to the surface, as seen by this @MnDOT webcam near Cook, MN. Expect this near-surface smoke to continue to move southeast across the Northland today. An Air Quality Alert is in effect for NE MN until 8 AM CDT Monday. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/hLwkeM5cjo
— NWS Duluth (@NWSduluth) May 12, 2024
Improving Conditions
The smoke will start to clear from northern Minnesota Sunday night into Monday. Southern Minnesota should see clearer air and a lower AQI by Monday afternoon.
Health Concerns
Anyone experiencing health effects due to poor air quality should contact a doctor or other healthcare provider. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, like chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
Recommendations
To help reduce the number of harmful particles in the air, MPCA recommends limiting activities like outdoor burning and use of wood-burning stoves at home. The agency also recommends fewer vehicle trips and less vehicle idling when possible.
Learn More
Learn more about air quality alerts here.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) – The article mentions that an air quality alert has been issued due to wildfire smoke, indicating poor air quality.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Air Quality Index (AQI) – The article mentions that the air quality across Minnesota was in the red AQI category, indicating poor air quality in cities.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
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Fuente: kare11.com
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