Full Notification

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

* WHERE...Southeast and northern Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy ground-level smoke continues to linger across southeast Minnesota Tuesday morning. This smoke will continue to impact air quality across this region through the afternoon before finally leaving the state around 4 p.m.

* AFFECTED AREAS: HENNEPIN ... RAMSEY ... WASHINGTON ... SIBLEY ... CARVER ... SCOTT ... DAKOTA ... BROWN ... NICOLLET ... LE SUEUR ... RICE ... GOODHUE ... WATONWAN ... BLUE EARTH ... WASECA ... STEELE ... MARTIN ... FARIBAULT ... FREEBORN

Instructions:

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.