DES MOINES, Iowa — An air quality advisory for the entire state has been issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through midnight Wednesday.
The worst air quality expected in the eastern one-third of Iowa, which is is currently recording fine particulates at concentrations the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers unhealthy. At this level, sensitive groups of people as well as the general public might experience health effects, the DNR said.
Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to persist in these areas throughout Wednesday. Elevated levels of fine particulates might be a concern over the next several days as the smoke continues to move through the state.
The DNR recommends that people reduce long or intense outdoor activities and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.
The national standard for fine particulate matter is 35 micrograms per cubic meter
(µg/m3) averaged over a 24-hour period, and this level is considered “unhealthy for
sensitive groups.” Groups sensitive to particulate matter include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers and outdoor workers.
Fine particulate levels could reach levels considered “unhealthy” where even healthy adults should consider limiting their activities.
Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA’s airnow.gov site. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen on the map at fire.airnow.gov/.
EPA’s specific guidelines on what precautions can be taken to minimize the impact of high ozone and fine particulate levels are available at airnow.gov/activity-guides.
