Air pollution alert issued for much of Minn.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota officials have issued an air-pollution health alert for the southern two-thirds of the state. They urge people who are sensitive to air pollution to take proper precautions.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the alert runs from Saturday afternoon through Sunday at noon.

The agency says monitoring stations in St. Cloud, Rochester, the Twin Cities and elsewhere recorded elevated levels of fine-particle pollution.

Fine particles are produced from combustion sources such as car exhaust, burning wood and gas-powered lawn equipment.

When levels get too high, people with respiratory and heart issues can experience chest pain and difficulty breathing. The agency urges those people to avoid strenuous activities outside.

Air quality should improve by Monday, when a cold front is expected to sweep into the state.