Updated at: 03/08/2010 2:33 PM | KSAX.com

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Air Pollution Alert: Marshall, Twins Cities, Rochester Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A large part of southern Minnesota is under an air alert from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which means the amount of particles in the air could be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The agency says the alert on Monday includes the Twin Cities, Rochester, Marshall, St. Cloud and Detroit Lakes areas. High pollution levels are expected to fall as the day goes on in the western affected areas, but linger near the Twin Cities and Rochester.

The most sensitive groups include those with respiratory or cardiovascular disease, young children, the elderly and people who participate in activities that require heavy exertion.

The agency says air quality is expected to improve on Tuesday as a low-pressure system moves into the state.

For hourly air quality updates, see: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)