How wildfire smoke affects air quality and your health

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada has drifted into other parts of Minnesota this week and triggered air quality alerts for much of the state.

MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about how air quality is monitored and forecast and the health risks of breathing wildfire smoke.

Guests:

• Kathy Raleigh is an epidemiologist who works in the environmental health division of the Minnesota Department of Health.

• Matt Taraldsen is a meteorologist and supervisor of the team that issues air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Resources discussed during the show:

Air quality forecasts: Air quality forecast | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Current air quality conditions

• AirNow.gov allows you to check current air quality conditions. You can also download the AirNow mobile app and sign up to receive air quality alerts and forecasts via email.

• Current air quality conditions | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)

• Purple Air

Minnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Child Care

The MPCA's Air quality and health webpage has information about health and indoor and outdoor air quality and how to prevent air pollution.

The Minnesota Department of Health has an Air Quality, Climate and Health webpage.

The Minnesota Department of Health wildfire smoke webpage highlights ways you can protect your health against wildfire smoke.

How to make your own air cleaner: DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors

How to protect pets

• 8 tips on keeping pets cool during the dangerous heat wave across Minnesota this week | MPR News

• Wildfire smoke and animals | American Veterinary Medical Association

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.