safety
Outdoor workers taking extra precautions with unhealthy air quality
By Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
Workers across Minnesota are adjusting as heavy wildfire smoke makes outdoor jobs harder and raises health concerns.
A roofing crew in Minneapolis worked Thursday as smoke moved into the area. Tonka Roofing Production Manager Alex Pederson said his team is using masks, taking breaks and slowin...
Key takeaway Tonka Roofing Production Manager Alex Pederson said his team is using masks, taking breaks and slowing the pace when needed.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The severe air quality in Minneapolis is a pressing concern for outdoor workers, who are taking precautions such as wearing masks and taking breaks to mitigate the health risks. This is particularly significant in a city where construction and outdoor maintenance are crucial to the local economy. The fact that a lawn care business has postponed all services for the week due to the air quality underscores the impact on small businesses and their employees. As the city's outdoor workers continue to adapt to the poor air quality, it will be crucial to monitor the long-term effects of repeated smoke exposure on their health. Dr. Bob Kempainen's concerns about the potential health implications of years or decades of smoke exposure are a reminder that the effects of this air quality crisis may be far-reaching, affecting not just the immediate health of outdoor workers, but also the broader health trends in the Minneapolis community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Minneapolis stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Workers across Minnesota are adjusting as heavy wildfire smoke makes outdoor jobs harder and raises health concerns.
A roofing crew in Minneapolis worked Thursday as smoke moved into the area. Tonka Roofing Production Manager Alex Pederson said his team is using masks, taking breaks and slowin...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cory Knudsen at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter