Ozone advisory effective until midnight Friday

by Lorna Benson, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — An air pollution health advisory has been issued for the Twin Cities metropolitan area due to elevated levels of ozone.

Wam, sunny weather is creating ripe conditions for pollutants to react and form ozone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Sensitive people should postpone or cut back vigorous outdoor activity Friday afternoon and evening when ozone levels are highest, MPCA spokesman Mike Rafferty said.

Metro-area residents are encouraged to reduce vehicle trips and engine idling today. The MPCA also suggests postponing wood burning and the use of gasoline-powered equipment, paint, and solvents.

Exposure to high levels of ozone may cause shortness of breath and breathing discomfort.

The advisory is effective through midnight. Ozone levels should drop quickly after dark.

"Typically what happens is ozone concentrations can build up throughout the day and then peak in the early evening hours," Rafferty said. "The concentrations then begin to fall as the sun sets and there's less energy available to create the ozone."