Poor-quality air settles over much of Minnesota

Star Tribune

Last update: December 19, 2007 - 10:03 PM

The stagnant weather is trapping a soup of air pollution in the Twin Cities, prompting state air-quality officials to warn Wednesday that it was approaching the "unhealthy for all" status. In the second day of the alert, a swath of the state from Rochester to Detroit Lakes was classified "unhealthy for sensitive individuals."

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency spokesman Mark Sulzbach said the problem is caused by fine particles, such as soot, from car tailpipes, power plant smokestacks and fireplaces. The pollutants are accumulating because of high humidity, a strong temperature inversion and weak winds from the southeast, he said.

During air pollution alerts, those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid prolonged exertion indoors and outdoors, Sulzbach said, and healthy adults should consider reducing or postponing strenuous exercise.

Officials expect the alert to continue through Friday, and they are urging citizens to help reduce the problem by driving less, conserving electricity and postponing wood fires.

TOM MEERSMAN

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