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Weather traps air pollution over Minnesota; caution advised

By Tom Meersman, Star Tribune

Last update: March 8, 2007 - 10:42 PM

The state cautioned against prolonged or vigorous exercise outdoors this morning by children, seniors and people with certain health conditions because of elevated levels of fine airborne particulates in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Marshall.

The air pollution health advisory covers the period from Thursday afternoon through this morning. State pollution control officials said that a thick cloud cover, humidity and fog helped the pollutants to build, and could be seen as haze in many areas.

The air particulates also accumulated across southern Minnesota as a large mass of polluted air moved northeast from Missouri and Oklahoma, said Minnesota Pollution Control Agency spokesman Mark Sulzbach.

"We expect this is going to last through Friday morning, when westerly winds will pick up and bring in clearer and drier air," Sulzbach said.

Under the advisory, which is termed "unhealthy for sensitive groups," children, senior citizens and individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular and heart conditions are urged to avoid vigorous or prolonged exercise. Athletes and other healthy adults should consider reducing or postponing heavy exertion.

Sulzbach said the particles come mostly from coal-burning for electricity generation, vehicles and wood smoke.

"To reduce the problem we try to encourage people to reduce driving and idling when possible, postpone fires and cut back on electricity usage," he said. "It would also be a good time not to use a snowblower."

Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388 • meersman@startribune.com