MPCA Upgrades to Air Pollution Health Alert for Mendota Heights, Metro

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has upgraded an to a more serious health alert due to expected increases in ozone pollution for the Twin Cities metro and Rochester.

The alert runs until midnight Wednesday, June 27.

While the warned that ozone levels were near benchmarks that may be unhealthy for vulnerable populations, the alert means that ozone levels are likely to meet those levels.

The highest ozone levels are expected to be in the north metro.

Those with preexisting respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in outdoor activities requiring extended or heavy exertion are encouraged to reduce or avoid outdoor activity.

Otherwise healthy individuals can also be affected by increased levels of ozone. 

All residents are asked to “postpone or reduce vehicle trips; engine idling and refueling; the use of gasoline-powered equipment; working with paints and solvents; and burning wood,” during this time. 

Source: MPCA