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The Air Quality Index (AQI) was developed by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to provide a simple, uniform way to report
daily air quality conditions.
Air quality in Minnesota is determined by measuring four pollutants:
- Carbon Monoxide
- Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)
- Ground-Level Ozone (smog)
- Sulfur Dioxide
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) takes hourly measurements
of these pollutants at air quality monitoring sites located throughout
the state. Ozone levels, which are only elevated in warm weather,
are measured from April through September in Minnesota.
The Air Quality Index translates each pollutant measurement to
a common index. An index from 0-50 indicates air quality is satisfactory
and air pollution poses little or no risk. An index of 100 reflects
where health effects might be expected in sensitive populations.
To learn more about the Air Quality Index or to see today’s
air quality readings click
here.
To sign up to receive daily air quality forecasts visit: http://mn.enviroflash.info/
EnviroFlash is a service of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
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