What is the deal with the air quality alert?

[Shananigans]

No indoor activity? Seriously!

[Oreo]

1. No strenuous outdoor activity

There's no global warming or pollution problems... move along.

First time in 25 years we've had a high pollution alert.

[Warpy]

2. It usually tells people with respiratory disease to avoid

outdoor activity. If there's a temperature inversion that lasts a long time, and the air gets really terrible, they may tell people with repiratory disease to avoid strenuous activity, period. They reserve that one for the type of air that kills people.

[Oreo]

5. no... they're saying dangerous for all

Huh... it does say including indoor activities!
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1556/5216268.html

Today's air 'unhealthy for all' in Twin Cities, officials say
Tom Meersman, Star Tribune
February 2, 2005 AIR0202

State pollution control officials issued an "unhealthy for all" air pollution alert Tuesday for the Twin Cities, the first time that level has been reached in at least 25 years. A mass of stagnant air has covered much of the southern part of Minnesota since Saturday, allowing fine particles from car exhaust, fireplaces, factories and other sources to accumulate in the air.

At 11 a.m. the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was reporting air pollution values of 152 "unhealthy" in the Twin Cities. In three cities the readings were "unhealthy for sensitive groups": 100 in Duluth, 132 in St. Cloud and 117 in Rochester. The values have been dropping slight all morning.

Nine western Wisconsin counties are also under air-quality health alerts.

MPCA Officials advised those with heart or lung disease, including asthma, and adults over 50 to avoid vigorous or prolongued exercise. Others, including athletes and other healthy adults and children, should postpone or reduce heavy work or exertion, including indoor activity.

[katinmn]

6. this is really disturbing. n/t

[Shananigans]

8. I told ya'll so!

But at least it was an excuse to skip the gym tonight ;)

[HereSince1628]

3. Who sent you the soot from the "south?"

[yellerpup]

4. Air Quality Poor.

Stop breathing! Better?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. I'm the poster child for respiratory allergies, and I'm definitely

feeling something in the air.