At Noon Monday, Air-pollution Health Advisory Goes into Effect for Roseville

If the recent heat wave isn't enough to deter you from outdoor activity, the quality of the air expected Monday afternoon just might.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued another air pollution health advisory for Monday, July 2, 2012. Officials expect ozone pollution for the Twin Cities metro and southeastern Minnesota to increase.

The health advisory runs until midnight today.

The advisory indicates that ozone levels are expected to be near a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with preexisting respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in outdoor activities requiring extended or heavy exertion.

The MPCA issued two similar advisories last week. , on Wedndesday, was upgraded to a when ozone levels reached or surpassed an unhealthy level for vulnerable groups. , on Friday, was cancelled when conditions improved.

High levels of ozone can aggravate preexisting health conditions in some people.

The MPCA encourages people in these groups to postpone or reduce vigorous outdoor activity, or schedule outdoor activity in the morning, when ozone levels are lower.

Elevated levels of ozone can also affect people that are not considered vulnerable.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing deeply and vigorously
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing discomfort
• Coughing
• A sore or scratchy throat
• The MPCA recommends contacting your physician if you are affected by these symptoms. 

Ozone is produced on hot, sunny days by a chemical reaction that occurs most often during fuel combustion. To help ease air pollution, 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 an advisory.

Winds carrying wildfire smoke are also exacerbating the situation, according to the MPCA.

For hourly air quality updates, visit the www.airnow.gov webpage. You can also sign up for daily air quality forecasts and air pollution health alerts by email or text message.

Source: MPCA

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