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DES MOINES – October marks the first month that daily air pollution levels are available year round not only in Iowa, but nationally, with 141 cities including Des Moines providing pollution forecasts as part of an enhanced pollution reporting effort.
While daily and hourly summertime smog levels have been reported for several years, similar real time monitoring technology now reports hourly particulate pollution levels, which can become high any time of year.
Particle pollution – made up of airborne microscopic soot, carbon and aerosols – cause 15,000 premature deaths annually and contribute to other serious health complications in the United States.
High levels of particle pollution can affect everyone, but those with heart and lung disease, children and the elderly and active adults are most at risk of symptoms. Particle pollution has been linked to asthma attack, chronic bronchitis, changes in heart rate, arrhythmia and heart attack among other problems.
Widespread areas of Iowa experienced unhealthy particulate pollution levels several days last August. Particle pollution is often more severe and common elsewhere in the nation.
“This is unprecedented environmental monitoring data that allows particularly sensitive persons to make choices about outdoor activities based on health risks,” said Brian Button, DNR air information specialist. "It took extraordinary efforts from staff at Polk and Linn County air pollution control agencies and the University Hygienic Laboratory to work out technical difficulties in order for Iowa data to be included in this national effort.”
He said the maps and forecasts are especially useful when traveling to states frequented by high pollution levels. “Fortunately in Iowa, widespread air pollution is not routine,” said Button.
The monitoring and reporting focuses on microscopic sized particles roughly 40 times smaller than a grain of salt or about 2.5 microns in size. These microscopic particles can bypass respiratory defenses and become lodged in lung tissue, interfere with heart rhythms and decrease lung function.
Sources of particulate emissions include diesel tailpipe exhaust, smokestack emissions, forest fires, open burning of debris and trash, fine windblown dusts and particles formed in the atmosphere by reactions of ammonia, sulfur and nitrogen oxide gases.
Daily pollution levels and forecasts are available on the Internet at www.epa.gov/airnow with color maps that show current particulate pollution levels using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The information can also be viewed from the DNR web page, www.iowacleanair.com or viewed on television at The Weather Channel.
For more information contact Brian Button at 515-281-7832
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