Air Quality Advisory Issued for Black Hawk and Linn Counties

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:

Elevated fine particle pollution levels were recorded across eastern Iowa this morning. Fine particle levels above EPA health standards are likely to persist in Black Hawk and Linn Counties until early Tuesday morning, when northeast winds are expected to clear the air.

The Iowa DNR recommends that Iowans living in Black Hawk and Linn Counties with respiratory or heart disease, as well as elderly and children limit prolonged outdoor exertion in the area until air quality conditions improve.

The EPA’s 24-hour health threshold for fine particles is 35 micrograms per cubic meter. As of noon today, the average fine particle levels were 41.2 in Cedar Rapids and 47.3 in Waterloo. Several other monitors in the state recorded elevated levels. Fine particle levels were 29.6 in Clinton, 37.8 in Davenport, 31.6 in Des Moines, 33.5 in Emmetsburg, 36.4 in Iowa City, 25.5 in Lake Sugema State Park and 32.9 in Muscatine.

Yesterday an air monitor in Waterloo recorded a 24-hour fine particle level of 36.7.

Fine particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources, and are formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses do not allow fine particles to disperse and pollutant levels rise

EPA’s national air quality map is available online at www.airnow.gov.

From the Linn County Public Health Department:

Fine and coarse particles can cause a variety of serious health problems. Effects including higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room visits for high risk individuals have been associated with short-term exposures lasting 24 hours or less. Particles can aggravate heart disease such as congestive heart failure and lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

You can reduce your exposure to particles by 1) planning strenuous activity when particle levels are forecast to be lower, 2) reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity, or 3) choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog).

Tips for reducing particle pollution on days when level are expected to be high:

• Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.