Fine Particle Pollution Episode Continues in Northeast Iowa

Pollutant levels near or above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health standards for fine particles were present over most of the northern half of Iowa Saturday, and are likely to remain elevated in northeast Iowa through midnight Sunday.

The Department of Natural Resources recommends that Iowans with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged outdoor exertion until air quality conditions improve.

The EPA’s 24-hour health standard for fine particles is 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

On Saturday, 24-hour fine particle levels were 34 micrograms per cubic meter in Des Moines, 39 micrograms per cubic meter in Emmetsburg, 48 micrograms per cubic meter in Davenport and in Cedar Rapids, and 51 micrograms per cubic meter in Clinton.

At mid day today, 12-hour average fine particle levels were 34 micrograms per cubic meter in Des Moines, 27 micrograms per cubic meter in Emmetsburg, 48 micrograms per cubic meter in Davenport, 54 micrograms per cubic meter in Cedar Rapids, and 62 micrograms per cubic meter in Clinton.

Fine particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources and are also formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses do not allow the fine particles to disperse, and pollutant levels rise. In the winter, fog droplets at near freezing temperatures capture ammonia and nitric acid and give rise to fine particles made of ammonium nitrate.

EPA’s national air quality map is available online at www.airnow.gov.

For more information contact Sean Fitzsimmons at (515) 281-8923.