Minnesota

Minnesota’s air quality is the worst in recorded history. Here’s how to protect yourself

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2023

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Minnesota’s air quality is the worst in recorded history. Here’s how to protect yourself

Why everyone needs to take Minnesota’s hazardous air seriously

02:52

MINNEAPOLIS – No one in the entire country is dealing with worse air than Minnesota right now.

When air quality alerts are issued, they’re focused on those sensitive groups: the young, the elderly, people with asthma, etc.

But doctors say when the air gets this bad – everyone needs to take notice.

Minnesota enduring country’s worst air quality due to wildfire smoke, ozone

Dr. Andrew Stiehm says it’s important to take it easy if you’re outside over the next day or two.

“I think many people are going to taste the air and develop some chest discomfort, particularly on a red day,” said Allina Health pulmonologist Dr. Andrew Stiehm. “An hour-and-a-half soccer game might need to be canceled as an example, or a 5K might need to be postponed because you don’t want people taking big, deep breaths filled with particulate air.”

But some Minnesotas are still feeling the effects.

What is the Air Quality Index, the tool used to tell just how bad your city’s air is?

“My lungs have been hurting. I have a headache all day today. I’ve got asthma so I’ve got a pre-existing condition pretty much. This is just not good stuff to be breathing every day,” said Minneapolis resident Michael Richard.

Which is why you might want to spend Thursday inside.

“Rolled-up windows are our friend. The indoors is a friend. If you’re gonna exercise, consider using the gym and not the wild outdoors…for the next day,” Stiehm said.

Experts say wildfire smoke can contain various chemicals depending on what is burning and the products used to fight the flames.

If you do have to be outside for an extended period of time, doctors say wearing an N95 mask can help. But the bad air can also cause irritation to your eyes – something a mask can’t protect against.

How can wildfire smoke travel so far?

Allen Henry

Allen Henry is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who joined WCCO as a reporter in August 2022.

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Related Topics:air quality Featured ozone wildfire smoke

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Minnesota

NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Dec. 25, 2024

Published

8 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

NEXT Weather: 10 p.m. report for Minnesota on Dec. 25, 2024 – CBS Minnesota

Watch CBS News

WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says rain will move in late Thursday and stick around into the weekend.

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Minnesota

MSU Alum Having Career Year for Minnesota Vikings

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

MSU Alum Having Career Year for Minnesota Vikings

Former Michigan State wide receiver and current Minnesota Viking Jalen Nailor has been terrific in his third season in the pros. As the third wide receiver on the field alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Nailor has improved his career numbers in his now third year in the league.

Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of MSU, the Vikings landed a strong piece to an even stronger offense in the Vikings. Nailor’s efforts since joining the Vikings have provided the franchise comfort knowing he is out on the field.

In his first season, Nailor played in 15 games, recording nine receptions in 13 targets. He posted 179 receiving yards in his rookie campaign, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. Receiving seven first downs in Year 1, the Vikings looked to get Nailor more involved on the roster in Year 2.

Though the team wanted to get more out of Nailor, they were unable to due to Nailor’s lack of time on the field. In his second season, Nailor only played in six games. In the six games, Nailor totaled only three receptions that went for 29 receiving yards. Nailor received one first down on the season before he was inactive in Weeks 15, 16 and 17.

In what would be a do-or-die season after a lackluster second-season campaign, Nailor made sure he reminded Viking fans why he belonged. Playing in 15 games for the Vikings this season, Nailor has dropped career highs in four different statistical categories. MSU fans should be proud of their former Spartan.

Nailor has 20 receptions, which is one of his new career highs, and he has totaled 280 yards, averaging 14 yards per reception. His best game on the season came against the Detroit Lions back in Week 7, where he recorded four receptions in five targets and got 76 receiving yards, averaging 19 yards per reception.

As the Vikings approach the postseason, Nailor should be a key piece to a deep playoff run if the Vikings make it as far. Minnesota, going into Week 17, has a record of 13-2 and should continue to be a force to take seriously for whoever it faces in the playoffs.

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