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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for ozone pollution from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday. 

The Air Quality Index is expected to reach the orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, children and older adults, and people who are active outdoors, may experience health effects.

The alert is in effect for Faribault, Freeborn, Blue Earth, Steele and Waseca counties in the immediate area. 

According to the alert, “mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and low humidity will provide a favorable environment for two types of pollutants (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react with sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone. Ozone will remain elevated on Wednesday as sunny skies, warm temperatures and dry conditions persist.

People should reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices. They should also reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible.