ST. PAUL, MN (KDAL) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a Air Quality Alert for all of the state through noon on Wednesday.
A band of very heavy ground level smoke is moving across the state from wildfires in Canada.
In central and northeast Minnesota, fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality level Tuesday which is considered unhealthy for everyone.
The red Air Quality Alert also extends into west central and northwest Wisconsin.
In the red area, heavy or prolonged exertion and time spent outdoors should be limited.
During the alert, anyone could experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.
Sensitive groups could experience more serious health effects including the worsening of existing heart or lung disease and asthma.
The MPCA says those needing to be outdoors should take more breaks and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure to the smoke.
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