DES MOINES - The DNR is forecasting unhealthy levels of ozone smog today in Scott and Clinton counties.

"Asthmatics, children and healthy persons planning extended outdoor exertion or vigorous activity today may wish to wait for better air quality," said Brian Button, DNR air quality information specialist. "Those groups are most at risk of respiratory irritation," he said. Ozone smog can burn lung tissue and trigger asthmatic reactions.

According to the national Air Quality Index (AQI), the air is predicted to reach the orange or "unhealthy for sensitive groups" designation today in extreme eastern Iowa for smog, with values over 100. Yesterday's AQI reached 100 in Scott county. Values over 100 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and values at or below 100 are good to moderate.

Ozone smog forms when emissions from vehicles, utilities and boilers and fumes from paints, gasoline and chemicals "cook" or react in sunlight and warm temperatures to form ground-level ozone, a colorless gas and the main ingredient in smog.

The DNR is asking area residents to consider simple voluntary actions today to avoid the heat while preventing smog formation. To give sunlight less time to react with emissions and smog-forming fumes, citizens can:

• Postpone lawn mowing, oil-based painting and auto refueling until late in the day or evening,
• Postpone unnecessary driving or consolidate errands to use the car when pollution controls are warmed and emitting less
• Avoid or postpone use of heavy-emitting two-stroke engines such as gas-powered mowers, weed trimmers and chain saws until evening.

Iowans can check air pollution levels at www.iowacleanair.com.

"This data allows Iowans prone to breathing difficulty to check air quality and see if they should be exercising out-of-doors or doing prolonged, heavy work outside," said Button. "Air in the orange zones is potentially unhealthy for some individuals."

For more information contact, Brian Button 515-281-7832.