MPCA Updates Air Quality Index Site

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is making it easier to keep tabs on changing air quality conditions.

The MPCA has finished a major upgrade of its Air Quality Index website and it's ready for the summer recreation season.  While the MPCA has long posted data for selected cities, the streamlined site offers estimated air quality conditions for nearly all parts of Minnesota. And new tools allow users to dig deeper into the data.

Agency officials say high temperatures, fireworks and smoke from Canadian wildfires are all expected to impact air quality in Minnesota this week.

Elevated air quality indexes can mean trouble for people with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, and people participating in activities that require heavy or extended periods of exertion.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)