Smog Season Arrives

June 24, 2005

DES MOINES—Smog season is here, the time of year when air pollution can form in hot temperatures and bright sunshine and the Department of Natural Resources is actively monitoring pollution levels, say state officials.

“The state has nearly a dozen ozone monitors across Iowa that run April through September — the time of year when heat and strong sunlight can cook vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, fumes and chemicals to form ozone smog,” said Brian Button, DNR air information specialist.

He said summer smog levels can make air quality unhealthy for some people such as children and asthmatics if they are out-of-doors for long periods of time exercising, working or playing. He said large areas of the state can be affected and that pollutants can be blown into Iowa from other parts of the nation.

Iowa’s air quality meets federal health standards, but “every year, we have some elevated pollution levels and we issue advisories to local media,” said Button. “Iowa’s air is far better than many areas of the nation where pollution is routine and at higher levels than what we occasionally have.”

He said our clean air status saves Iowans millions of dollars annually in reduced health care and regulatory costs.

Daily air quality is reported using the Air Quality Index, a numerical and color-coded reporting system which includes health cautions for sensitive populations.

On high pollution days, minimizing vigorous outdoor activity is good advice, he said, especially for sensitive populations.

Iowans can help minimize emissions by conserving electricity, properly maintaining vehicles and reduced driving. “Those efficiency actions are also money savers,” he said.

State air quality conditions are posted at www.iowacleanair.com. National data is posted at www.airnow.gov.