MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is extending an air quality alert for parts of northern Minnesota.
The alert is extended until noon on Saturday for Hibbing, International Falls, Ely, Virginia, Roseau, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and the tribal areas of Grand Portage.
The original alert issued on Tuesday also included Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Bemidji, Brainerd, Alexandria, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs and Red Lake. It expired in those areas on 9 a.m. Friday.
The MPCA's concern for northern Minnesota's air quality is due to wildfires burning north of the Canadian border in Ontario and Manitoba.
Earlier this week, fine particulate levels were expected to reach the Red AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. The Minnesota Department of Health expects smoke will start to clear Saturday, but air quality will still be considered unhealthy for people in sensitive groups (Orange AQI) until smoke moves north and out of Minnesota.
People whose health is impacted by unhealthy air quality are asked to stay indoors as much as possible. That includes:
- Those 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
- Residents of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors
If you identify with one of these groups and are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, health officials advise using an inhaler as directed, and urge those impacted to contact their health care provider directly.
However, if you do go out, the department of health recommends taking these precautionary steps:
- 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
- People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider if you don’t have an asthma action plan
For more information on air pollution in Minnesota, visit the MPCA website here, and to view current conditions you can visit here.
