Air Pollution Effects in Minnesota

Air pollutants are small, invisible particles, but in high concentrations they can leave behind odors or visible signs, like smog. The Minnesota Department of Health defines an air pollutant as a solid or liquid particle that is suspended in the air and usually consists of natural and inorganic chemicals, such as carbon, sulfates, nitrates, metals, acids and volatile compounds. That agency, in conjunction with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, works to educate residents on health concerns and find solutions to remove pollutants from the air.

Indoor Air Pollutants

• Air pollution is everywhere, not just over Minnesota's largest cities. In fact, particles like mold, radon, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide and chemical emissions from products and furnishings -- like formaldehyde -- are common pollutants inside homes. Recently, the state passed the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act to ban smoking in businesses, restaurants and bars. Health officials encourage radon testing, since most of Minnesota's soil contains naturally occurring uranium, which breaks down and releases radioactive radon into the air. High concentrations have been found in Minnesota homes and have been linked with higher rates of cancer. The state's climate and home heating can elevate the risk of radon as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Health officials recommend maintaining detectors in homes, especially when using space heaters.

Outdoor Air Pollution

• Pollutants released by car exhaust or mining in the northern part of the state releases pollution and can form smog, diminish the protective ozone layer, and has been linked to global climate change. In high enough concentrations, industrial pollution can also lead to acid rain. In the 1980s, lawmakers passed a series of bills that essentially removed the threat of acid rain in the state. Minnesota lead the nationwide charge with the Acid Deposition Control Act in 1982, and went further in 1986 to protect the state's lakes and waters and their aquatic species from acidification and heavy metal poisoning from toxic metals like mercury.

  Mercury is still a problem in Minnesota. Electronic devices made with heavy metals like mercury can also give off particles that get into the air and water, prompting fish consumption warnings from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Human Health Effects

• Though some of the particles classified as air pollutants are naturally occurring, they can negatively affect human health. Some groups -- such as the elderly and those who suffer from asthma -- are more sensitive than others to these particles, but some of the smallest particles can get deep into lung tissue and lead to potentially fatal diseases and conditions like lung cancer.

  Research has shown that the smallest particles tend to be more prolific, easier to ingest into the body and more toxic. The health effects of prolonged exposure to air pollution often begin to manifest in cardiovascular and respiratory problems, beginning with a sore throat, persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and chest pain. Since allergies and common illnesses often share the same symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose pollutants as a culprit.

Pollution Monitoring and Warning Systems

• According to the state Pollution Control Agency, the two pollutants that pose the largest threats to human health in Minnesota are ground-level ozone -- also known as smog -- and fine particles categorized as PM2.5. Smog is a concern in the warmer months, and officials monitor for its presence between only April and September, but PM2.5 is monitored year-round. The state has an Air Quality Index that gives daily readings and forecasts of air quality online, and it also provides an alert system for residents when conditions begin to pose a threat to public health.

  Officials say that the air quality in the state rarely ever reaches an unhealthy range for the population at large, but sensitive citizens do experience respiratory problems yearly -- particularly in summer, when the westerly winds wane and particles from traffic and industry hover over the state.