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• Air pollution alert issued for Minnesota; worst air expected in Twin Cities

An air pollution health advisory has been issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for most of Minnesota through Friday.

Agency officials say the alert was issued because of elevated levels of fine airborne particulates and that the worst air quality will be in the Twin Cities and Rochester.

According to officials, stagnant winds overnight are helping trap fine particles and allowing them to build up. These conditions are expected to continue until Friday, resulting in marginal air quality.

The Air Quality Index hit 103 in Rochester this (Tuesday) morning. The Twin Cities AQI is 92 this morning and may climb near 100.

Agency officials warn that AQI levels in the 90s are 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.

Fine particle pollution can occur at any time of the year and is a result of fossil fuel combustion from electricity generation, transportation and wood smoke.

Sensitive groups should avoid vigorous or prolonged exercise outdoors and indoors.

Others, including athletes and other healthy adults, should consider reducing or postponing heavy exertion

Officials say ways of lowering air pollution during this period would be to reduce driving, postpone fires to reduce wood smoke, postpone use of small engines and reduce electricity usage.

Hourly updates can be viewed on MPCA's Web site at http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly/.