Air quality alert issued across Minnesota: ‘Unhealthy for everyone'
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for northwest, north central and northeast Minnesota due to continued wildfire smoke from Canada.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index category, meaning it is considered very unhealthy for everyone.
The alert begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and ends at 9 a.m. on Monday.
(FOX 9) - An air quality alert has been issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for northwest, north central and northeast Minnesota due to continued wildfire smoke from Canada.
Minnesota air quality alert
What we know
Beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will drift south into Minnesota.
Affected areas will include Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage and Fond du Lac.
According to the MPCA, smoke will initially impact far northern Minnesota early Saturday afternoon and then spread south and east through the rest of the day.
Smoke will linger across the region on Sunday and then exit to the north through Monday morning.
The highest smoke concentrations are expected to be across far northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead region.
Why you should care
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index category, which means it is considered "very unhealthy" for everyone.
The MPCA recommends that Minnesotans in the affected areas avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors.
The Source
Information provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Solve the daily Crossword
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian market to see generic Ozempic and Wegovy come January. What does that mean for Hamilton?
The nearing expiration date for the patent on Ozempic and Wegovy is making way for generic versions of the weight-loss and diabetic drugs to potentially flood the Canadian market. Denmark-based health-care company Novo Nordisk failed to pay a maintenance fee and lost the patent, which expires in January. Already, American telehealth company His and Hers Health said it will offer the generic medication in Canada. And, as of May 31, Health Canada had five applications under review from other companies wanting to sell generic versions of semaglutide drugs like Ozempic, which is used to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, which is used to treat obesity. Both health issues are prevalent locally, with a 2024 public health report showing the city's average body mass index was higher than Ontario's average and about 13 per cent of residents 20 and older lived with diabetes in 2020. Deaths due to diabetes were about three times higher for Hamilton residents living in low-income areas. So what does this mean for Hamilton? Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a diabetes specialist, researcher and McMaster University professor. Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a diabetes specialist, researcher and McMaster University professor, spoke with The Spectator about what to expect with the introduction of generic semaglutide drugs. Semaglutide is a synthetic injectable drug that mimics the naturally-occurring hormone GLP-1, released when eating. The hormone tells the body when it is full and controls when the stomach is emptied. The drug also tells the pancreas to release insulin, reducing blood sugar levels. Semaglutide leads to an average of five to 10 per cent weight loss over several months. This means someone weighing 200 pounds could lose 10 to 20 pounds. Usual recipients are middle-aged to older people, said Gerstein, but there is no minimum age that can receive a prescription. If Health Canada approves the drug, there should be little to no difference, said Gerstein. 'They need to show that it's the same, at least chemically, and that it is tolerated the same way,' he said. Again, if the drug is the same chemically, Gerstein said side effects should not differ drastically. The Health Canada approval process requires proof the drug is similar to the branded drug, including similar side effects. This includes reduced appetite, feeling full earlier than typical, constipation and nausea. Some have noticed less cravings, such as for pizza, pasta and even alcohol, said Gerstein. It is hard to predict how the generic drugs will impact population health, said Gerstein, but semaglutide is an 'extremely effective and beneficial drug' that has been tested extensively. The tests show the drug helps to control diabetes, reduce weight and lower long-term risks for heart attacks, strokes and other diseases. He expects the generic versions to be no different. The introduction of generic semaglutide would only have a significant impact on health issues in Hamilton if a lot of people started taking the drug as a result. Even with generic drugs available, he said that is not expected. While the new drugs will be cheaper, the provincial government and some private plans do not cover semaglutide used to treat obesity, said Gerstein. The best way to solve local health issues is to address root causes, he said, including city walkability and access to affordable, healthy foods. If both the doctor and patient are being honest, semaglutide should only be prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, said Gerstein. He said that is the only way patients can be reimbursed for their prescription. For people paying out-of-pocket, it is hard to know who is getting the drug and for what, he said. Drugs used to treat obesity, such as Wegovy, are prescribed on a case-by-case basis, which involves evaluating individual patients' lifestyles and health risks, he said. 'You don't treat the disease, you treat the patient,' said Gerstein. The prescribed diabetes drug is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program, said Gerstein, while semaglutide for obesity is not. Costs for semaglutide drugs vary by dose, but can cost up to $500 per month . Prices for generic semaglutide could be 15 to 75 per cent of brand name drugs, said Dominic Tan, the deputy CEO of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, which connects federal, provincial and territorial governments to negotiate drug prices and initiatives. The lower cost for consumers is a result of the company not having to pay to research and develop a new drug. Competition between generic drug companies can also drive the price down. Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@ Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Business News
18 hours ago
- Time Business News
Pharma & Research Laboratories in Canada
Canada is recognized as a world leader in pharmaceutical research, development, and innovation. Highly equipped Pharmaceutical Laboratories and a regulatory structure that favours growth give the country a leading edge in medical and biotech advances. If you are a pharmaceutical company, healthcare provider, or a biotech start-up, the potential for partnerships with a reputable Canadian lab is both broad and profound. Pharmaceutical laboratories play a crucial role in developing safe and effective drugs and treatments for patients. These laboratories are key to: Conducting clinical research and trials. Developing new drugs and formulations. Maintaining compliance with quality standards and regulations. Advancing vaccine and biotechnology research. There are numerous reasons the world owes Pharma Laboratories a great debt for the company's significant contributions to public health. They are the unsung heroes of modern medicine, from cancer research to vaccine development. Lab Canada has been expanding at an unprecedented pace in the last few years. With strong government support, significant investment in research and development, and a highly skilled workforce, Canadian labs are making notable strides in pharmaceutical science. Canada is listed as one of the world's leaders in clinical trials, biologics research, and biotech innovation. The Canada lab has some of the best good manufacturing practices (GMP-compliant) and technology in the industry, which is unmatched anywhere. Many of these labs are also ISO-certified, meaning they adhere to international quality standards and maintain a safe testing environment. Most Canadian Pharmaceutical Laboratories Offer services that cater to all aspects of the pharmaceutical development cycle. These include: Analytical Services: Analysis for chemicals, stability testing, and testing of raw materials. Analysis for chemicals, stability testing, and testing of raw materials. Formulation: Dosage formulation including tablets, capsules, AND injectables, etc. Dosage formulation including tablets, capsules, AND injectables, etc. Microbiology Testing: Testing for harmful microorganisms in products. Testing for harmful microorganisms in products. Regulatory Submission: Supply relevant information for regulatory filings. Supply relevant information for regulatory filings. Bioavailability & Bioequivalence Studies: Efficacy of the drug being compared with the standard. From small batch testing to vast pharmaceutical manufacturing, be assured that Canadian Analytical Laboratories is our trusted partner in innovation and dependability. When choosing a laboratory, reliability, compliance, and innovation are non-negotiable. Here are some reasons why getting a Canadian lab is a good business decision: Elite Level Standards: Canadian labs comply with Health Canada & FDA standards. Canadian labs comply with Health Canada & FDA standards. Cutting-edge Technology: These laboratories are equipped with the best-of-breed tools, from AI-powered analytics to robotics automation. These laboratories are equipped with the best-of-breed tools, from AI-powered analytics to robotics automation. Expertise & Talent: With highly educated chemists, biologists, and lab techs, quality is a given. With highly educated chemists, biologists, and lab techs, quality is a given. Nut Data Integrity: Security and accuracy should be maintained in all testing activities. Security and accuracy should be maintained in all testing activities. Teamwork: Easily collaborate with research and manufacturing teams worldwide. Pharma Labs also services more than drug manufacturers. These include: Biotechnology Companies Healthcare Providers Nutraceutical Brands Academic and Research Institutions Veterinary Medicine Providers From diagnostics to commercial production, Laboratories Canada delivers tailored services to different industries. Laboratory needs continue to evolve in response to global health threats. Canada is investing heavily in AI for diagnostics, personalized medicine, and green chemistry. The future of Pharma Laboratories in Canada is bright, sustainable, and innovative. In today's fast-paced world, having the right partner can make all the difference when developing innovative pharmaceutical products. Pharma Laboratories Canada upholds the highest standards of quality, innovation, and compliance among its partnered drug developers and industry professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Whether you're introducing a new drug or in the process of testing, having a Canadian laboratory means your project is in reliable hands. When it comes to Research and Development, Canada laboratory represents trust, effectiveness, and innovation. Q1. What are the services provided by Pharma Laboratories in Canada? A: They provide analytical testing, formulation development, microbiology testing, support for clinical trials, and regulatory consulting. Q2. Do Canadian laboratories meet the international standard? A: Yes, most Canadian labs comply with GMP, ISO certifications, and follow FDA and Health Canada regulations. Q3. How Do I Find the Best Canadian Lab for My Project? A: Look at lab accreditation, experience, technology, turnaround times, and customer reviews. Q4. Do foreign pharmaceutical companies support Canadian labs? A: Absolutely, Canadian labs frequently partner with overseas clients and provide comprehensive services, including logistics, documentation, and regulatory applications. Q5. These labs are only for drugs? A: No, they additionally cater to the biotechnology, nutraceuticals, academic research, and veterinary sectors. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Minnesota weather: Pleasant weekend in the Twin Cities, air quality alert in northern MN
The Brief Early morning clouds & fog linger behind last night's storms, but clear to patchy sunshine this afternoon. Smoke from wildfires in Canada is back for Northern Minnesota this weekend & has prompted an Air Quality Alert through Monday morning. Next week gets hot and very steamy with heat index values well into the 90s & several thunderstorm opportunities. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - There will be pleasant summer temperatures for the weekend, with a steamy and stormy heat wave expected next week. Saturday and Saturday outlook Local perspective Early morning clouds and fog linger just a bit behind last night's storms as dew points hang in the upper 60s this Saturday morning. Clouds will gradually break into more of a partly cloudy sky, and dew points will settle into the more manageable mid-60s this afternoon as high temperatures cap out in the upper 70s. Unfortunately, the area of high pressure that is bringing the pleasant weekend is also being accompanied by some wildfire smoke from Canada that will reach the northern parts of the state. Code red to code purple air quality can be expected at times across the northern third of the state from Saturday afternoon through late Sunday night, and there is an air quality alert in effect during that time up north. The sun shines brightly for a lovely Sunday as dew points fall into the comfortable upper 50s. Extended forecast What's next It will quickly turn muggy and unsettled next week. Monday could begin with a few weakening rumbles moving out of the Dakotas as dew points begin to climb. But a legitimate tropical feeling heat wave begins on Tuesday as dew points soar into the 70s with highs in the mid to upper 80s. That leads to heat index values in the 90s for the middle of next week with several opportunities for unsettled storms. The Source This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather team and the National Weather Service. Solve the daily Crossword
