The Grand Portage Reservation is at the northeastern tip of Minnesota. The Air Quality Program has many ongoing projects in order to maintain healthy indoor and outdoor air. These projects include monitoring for regional haze and particulate matter, indoor air quality, invasive plant removal, public outreach, environmental education, alternative energy, and climate change.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Air Quality

If you smell smoke and see haze from the Pagami wildfire, you may want to limit your outdoor activities. Currently in Grand Portage, the air quality is good, but the air quality is unhealthy this morning in the Boundary Waters near Ely. Yesterday afternoon at my home near Colvill, smoke blew in from the fire and was present for about an hour. The levels of particulates from the smoke are changing depending on wind conditions, so pay attention to how you may be affected by the smoke. Symptoms from inhaling woodsmoke are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and headaches. If you have an existing lung or cardiovascular condition, be very careful around wood smoke and remain indoors while smoke levels remain elevated.
Picture courtesy of Minnesota Public Radio

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