Jan 28, 2025 - News
Air quality in the Twin Cities is getting worse
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Air quality in the Twin Cities is getting worse, according to year-over-year data.
Why it matters: Long-term exposure to poor air quality is harmful to your health.
By the numbers: The average percentage of fine particle pollution in the Twin Cities increased 12.3% from 2021-23, compared to 2014-16.
- In both periods, the metro's fine particle levels ranked in the middle of the pack for U.S. cities.
The big picture: Tracking fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a helpful indicator, but it doesn't account for all variables in overall air quality — so pollution can be worse than it appears on your weather app.
- Overall, the American Lung Association gives the Twin Cities a "passing" grade for annual particle pollution levels, but a "C" for high ozone days.