MPCA issues dirty air alert

Hot sunny weather, light winds and building humidity are creating favorable conditions for high-end moderate ozone and fine particle pollution. The MPCA's air quality forecasting service indicates that weather patterns over the next 4-5 days are likely to contribute to pockets of unhealthy air across the state.

Ozone and particle levels are both elevated, though ozone is expected to be the primary pollutant Monday with fine particles the main pollutant Tuesday.

An air pollution health advisory is issued when conditions are forecast to have Air Quality Index (AQI) readings around 90, which is near the threshold of an air alert issued at 100 AQI and above. The agency says those who have respiratory or cardiovascular problems, young children, the elderly, and individuals whom are physically active are considered especially sensitive to elevated levels of air pollution.

It says they should be prepared to postpone or reduce vigorous activity. Even individuals who are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when air pollutant levels increase.