Air Pollution Health Advisory

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air
Pollution Health Advisory because of high ozone levels for the Twin
Cities metro area and communities northward of the Twin Cities including
St. Cloud and Brainerd for today June 13 and Thursday June 14.

High pressure located over Minnesota will lead to warm temperatures,
sunny skies and enhanced ozone formation today and tomorrow. In
addition, light southerly winds will bring moisture and pollutants to
the region, increasing fine particle production. These conditions will
result in high-end Moderate (95 AQI) to potentially low-end Unhealthy
for Sensitive Groups levels (100 AQI) on both days.

Ozone levels usually build in the morning and peak in the late afternoon
and early evening. Advisories are issued when the AQI levels reach or
are forecasted to reach the 90s, which is near the threshold that is
unhealthy for sensitive groups with respiratory, cardiovascular and
heart conditions, as well as senior citizens, children and physically
active adults.

Sensitive groups should avoid vigorous or prolonged exercise especially
in the afternoon and early evening when ozone levels will be the
highest. Others, including athletes and other healthy adults should
consider reducing or postponing heavy exertion (play shorter games, walk
instead of run, rotate players more frequently, etc.). Moving indoors to
an air conditioned environment will reduce ozone exposure.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION DURING THIS ALERT:
* reduce driving when possible and don't idle your vehicle engine
(vehicle exhaust contributes to ozone formation)
* postpone use of lawnmowers and other small gas or diesel engines
* postpone use of paints or solvents which promote ozone formation
* postpone recreational fires

To learn more or to check hourly updates of the AQI, visit:
http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/