Air Quality and Reducing Air Pollution

Transportation and wood smoke are common sources of air pollution that can impact health. Visitors to the air quality exhibit will learn about changes they can make that will help reduce pollution and protect their health. 

In the “electric garage” visitors will learn how they can replace gas-powered equipment with human or electric-powered versions. Electric vehicles, including a used EV this year, will be on display along with information about charging and transportation’s contribution to pollution. Volunteers from electric vehicle owner groups will be available to answer questions about what it’s like to own and drive an EV.

Back by popular demand, visitors will learn about wood smoke pollution and easy ways to avoid building smoky fires. Wood burning is the biggest source of fine particle pollution in Minnesota and is on the rise. Recreational fires are the most common reason people burn wood, but the largest volume of wood is burned for home heating.

Visitors can also find out about air quality alerts, what to do when air quality is bad, and talk with the MPCA staff meteorologists behind the daily air quality forecasts.