Burdened by bad air, Northsiders face summer of new pollutants
A hazy skyline was photographed on Olson Memorial Highway showing wildfire smoke enveloping the city in June. Photo by Azhae’la Hanson
By Ayanna Melander, North News Intern
Marc Latz, 66, doesn't let his oxygen tank stop him from enjoying his typical summer of outdoor fun. However, this summer he has been stuck inside more days than usual because of poor air quality.
“I'm not as active as I would like to be but I'd say the excessive heat and the wildfire smoke has limited my ability to get out and about,” the longtime Northsider said.
North Minneapolis already is plagued by some of the worst air pollution in the state. But this summer ushered in wildfire smoke blowing in from Canada and record- breaking ozone levels to create conditions for residents that concern local healthcare providers
Dr. Kevin Gilliam, health director of Northpoint Health and Wellness Center said wildfire smoke in particular has been difficult on people with respiratory ailments. As of July, there are more than 4,000 active fires in Canada with smoke blowing into North America.
“We're seeing an uptick in people reporting some difficulty with breathing generally,” Gilliam said. “And they're relating to the onset of the first round of wildfire smoke that was fairly noticeable.”
Marc Latz, 66, has spent more time indoors than normal because of the air quality this summer. Photo by David Pierini
Since May, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued 23 air quality alerts across the state with this being the most air quality alerts ever in Minnesota's history.
And MPCA predicts more to come before summer’s end.
Minnesota is also in its seventh ozone alert of the summer which, according to the MPCA, is the most ever calculated recorded in Minnesota.
Gilliam said asthma is more prevalent in North Minneapolis, especially in neighborhoods in close proximity to factories. Communities of color in general can be more at risk to the smog. These are all descriptors of North Minneapolis residents.
In combination with pollutants that already exist in North Minneapolis such as a county trash incinerator and vehicle emissions from I-94, a perfect storm has been created for respiratory ailments.
“The shifting of the winds has kind of blanketed the Twin Cities in Minnesota with this wildfire smoke on repeated occasions,” Glliam said. “It kind of is making this summer a bit harsher.”
Gilliam said poor air quality causes itchy, watery eyes, a new cough, and scratchy throat. In those with more severe In combination with pollutants that already exist in North Minneapolis such as a county trash incinerator and vehicle emissions from I-94, a perfect storm has been created for respiratory ailments.
“The shifting of the winds has kind of blanketed the Twin Cities in Minnesota with this wildfire smoke on repeated occasions,” Glliam said. “It kind of is making this summer a bit harsher.”
Gilliam said poor air quality causes itchy, watery eyes, a new cough, and scratchy throat. In those with more severe Outside of spending time outdoors, Latz's favorite place is his porch, which he thought would take less of a toll than spending time at the lake with his friends. But even there, on days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is low he struggles with his breathing.
“Pay attention to your body and how it is responding to the environment. Don’t ignore the symptoms if you do experience some kind of increased challenges with breathing,” Gilliam said.