MPCA issues air quality alert for much of Minnesota through Monday morning

Air quality alert issued for Minnesota  KARE11.com

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May 13, 2024 - 04:30
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MPCA issues air quality alert for much of Minnesota through Monday morning

MPCA issues air quality alert for much of Minnesota through Monday morning

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.  

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.

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.

Watch More on KARE 11+

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. 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.

  2. 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)

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: kare11.com

 

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