Davenport Air Quality Unhealthy Independence Weekend

DES MOINES-Air quality in Davenport was unhealthy for sensitive groups Friday July 2, with an Air Quality Index measuring 102 due to microscopic sized particulate matter, the DNR reported today.

Levels elsewhere across Iowa were elevated, but still in the good to moderate categories. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reports pollution levels using a color-coded and numerical range for pollutants. The higher the AQI, the poorer the air quality.

State officials noticed elevated pollution levels early Friday, but improved conditions later in the day were not enough to lower the average levels over the 24-hour period as the standard requires. The final data was not available until after the holiday weekend.

Iowa's air quality still meets federal health standards, but an increase in the number or severity of days with unhealthy air could pose clean up efforts. The area typically has several days of unhealthy air annually.

An AQI of 1 to 50 is green or good, 51 to 100 is yellow or moderate, 101 to 150 is orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is red, unhealthy for everyone. Rarely monitored are purple for very unhealthy (201 to 300) and maroon for hazardous (301 to 500.)

Particulate matter is a generic term to describe microscopic sized solids, liquid droplets, or aerosols in the air. Because the particles are so small they are able to penetrate the deepest parts of the lungs, increasing the likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly and those with heart disease.

For more information contact Brian Button at 515-281-7832, or at brian.button@dnr.iowa.gov.