A Minnesota city and reservation will be receiving federal funding for air quality monitoring, but many of Minnesota’s cities and counties has some of the best quality air in the nation.
With above-normal fire activity expected in Canada, the region can expect smoky air this summer. But drought conditions in Minnesota have improved so the likelihood of major wildfires within the state is lower, according to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecast released Tuesday, April 26.
The "Life and Breath" report released Tuesday showed air pollution contributing to about 2,000 Minnesota deaths in 2015, including 200 deaths in Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a group of chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers and cosmetics, but increasing evidence suggests they are harmful to humans and the environment.
The report said pollution from pesticides, plastics and electronic waste is causing widespread human rights violations as well as at least 9 million premature deaths a year, and that the issue is largely being overlooked.
