MPCA issues Labor Day air quality alert

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert for north central, central, and northwest Minnesota on 8 a.m. Labor Day through Tuesday. The air is expected to reach the red AQI category, which is unhealthy for everyone.

MPCA says the affected areas include International Falls, Roseau, Brainerd, St. Cloud, and the tribal nationals of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, and Red Lake.

MPCA forecasts: “Smoke from numerous wildfires across the Saskatchewan province in Canada has been pulled into portions of northern and central Minnesota by northerly winds. High pressure will move into the region and will produce very light winds on Monday. This airmass has become stagnant and heavy ground-level smoke will linger across the northern half of the state for the remainder of the day on Monday.”

During the red AQI category, the sky may look and smell smokey due to wildfires. You likely won’t be able to see long distances.

This air is unhealthy for everyone, according the MPCA, “Anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.” Sensitive groups- like people who have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnant people, children and older adults- may experience more serious health effects.

MPCA recommends: Anyone experiencing health effects related to poor air quality should contact their health care provider. Those with severe symptoms, chest pain, trouble breathing, or who fear they may be experiencing a heart attack or stroke should call 911 immediately.

Visit the MPCA’s Air quality and health webpage for information about health and indoor and outdoor air quality and how to prevent air pollution.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health wildfire smoke webpage for actions you can take to protect your health against wildfire smoke.