[Dec 11, 2018] "An Air Quality Alert for fine particles is in effect
today for the Twin Cities and central Minnesota through Thursday
evening. Light winds, clear skies, and a strong inversion overnight
resulted in AQI values over 100 this morning. Stagnant conditions
will continue today with light winds from the east. Moderate (AQI) is
expected in the southeast corner of the state and Green (good) AQI is
expected in the north. Tomorrow, light southerly winds are expected
again. Temperatures will be in the upper 20s and relative humidity
will be high. Orange (USG) values are expected in the alert area and
yellow AQI values are possible for the southeast. On Thursday, a
frontal boundary moves across the state, bringing cleaner air from
the west. Orange AQI is expected in the alert area until the front
passes in the late afternoon."
Note:
Code Yellow officials means "moderate" air quality.
Code Orange means "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
"Current Condition Details" (sort of) are sometimes available here:
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pca.state.mn.us%2Fair%2Fcurrent-condition-details%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1jUJqqZnzZk5bp-8xJYfSw5EV9rLngWszpyyowa9Hu92qiHwPeS1fjGu4&h=AT1i_C4Xla88t7wdR2ZTw0K8jh4zs92fk6BWBLvuAMselioOAoO-gug3vUYNTmWKAYuuORxsWoXwZVAH1YyM6HpmZ4eRFi0rPFbw4nMq72nhsGFSQKR6Qe5UN_yNoImBJukrIanM>Current
condition details
Current condition details Detailed air pollution levels and trends,
for fine particles, ozone, nitrogen and sulfur dioxides, and carbon
monoxide at 24 monitoring sites in Minnesota.
And here is an expanded air quality alert from the MPCA:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has expanded the
current air quality alert for the Twin Cities and portions of central
Minnesota, effective 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 11th through 6 p.m.
Thursday, December 13th to include southeast Minnesota. The affected
area includes the Twin Cities metro, Willmar, Hutchinson, Mankato,
Albert Lea, Rochester, Winona, and the Tribal Nations of Prairie
Island and Upper Sioux.
Fine particle levels will continue to be in the Orange (Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups) category in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and
central Minnesota this morning due to stagnant weather conditions.
Fine particle levels have also reached the Orange category across
southeast Minnesota. Light winds, fog, and a strong inversion have
resulted in poor dispersion and air pollutants are accumulating and
becoming trapped near the ground. Poor dispersion conditions will
continue over the next couple of days as this plume of fine particles
will slowly transports across central and southeast Minnesota. Fine
particle levels in the alert area are expected to remain near or
above 100 AQI until Thursday afternoon, when a front moves across the
state and brings cleaner air into the region.
People whose health is affected by unhealthy air quality: There are
people who are more likely to be affected when fine particle
pollution reaches an unhealthy level.
People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
People who have heart disease or high blood pressure
Children and older adults
People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity
like playing sports or working outdoors
Health effects: Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular
disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air
quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience
symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or
fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your
inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider.
Take precautions:
Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy.
Take it easy and listen to your body.
Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level.
If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy
roads and wood fires.
If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD make sure
you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you.
People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written
asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider
if you don't have an asthma action plan.
[....]
Note that there is nothing here about curtailing garbage burners,
coal burners, and other major pollution sources when the air is bad!
Alan Muller