Air Quality Alert Issued for NW Minnesota

Air Quality Alert in Effect Until 10 a.m. Thursday

Residents Urged to Take Precautions

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northwestern Minnesota, including the cities of Moorhead, Detroit Lakes, and Fergus Falls. The alert is in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023.

The alert was issued due to high levels of ozone in the air. Ozone is a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also aggravate asthma and other lung conditions.

The MPCA is urging residents to take precautions to protect their health during the air quality alert. These precautions include:

• Staying indoors as much as possible
• Closing windows and doors to keep ozone out
• Running an air conditioner or air purifier
• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
• Drinking plenty of fluids

The MPCA is also monitoring air quality conditions and will provide updates as needed. For more information, please visit the MPCA website at www.pca.state.mn.us.