DNR Compiles Fine Particulate Pollution Report For 2005 - 2007

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau reports that its preliminary 2007 monitoring data indicates Iowa is in attainment for fine particulate pollution except one monitor in Scott County and one monitor in Muscatine County measured just above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standard.

The EPA 24-hour fine particle standard (PM2.5) is 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air. For the three-year period from 2005 to 2007, the fine particulate monitor at 300 Wellman Street in Davenport recorded a design value of 37, and the fine particulate monitor at 1409 Wisconsin in Muscatine, recorded a design value of 36.

Particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter is quite small; by comparison, a human hair is typically 50-70 microns in diameter. PM2.5 includes particles such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets. Sources of PM2.5 include industrial and residential combustion, vehicle exhaust and wood burning.

“Elevated fine particulate levels are a complicated problem, and we will need to employ local and regional pollution reduction strategies to meet EPA’s new fine particle standard everywhere in the state,” said Catharine Fitzsimmons, Air Quality Bureau Chief.

“By reducing fine particulate pollution in general and working with sources in areas where monitors register exceedances, all of Iowa should be back into attainment by 2015 to meet the provisions of the Clean Air Act,” said Jim McGraw, Air Quality Bureau Planning Supervisor. “Iowa’s citizens can do their part by reducing energy consumption and driving less.”

The PM2.5 standard was lowered from 65 to 35 by EPA on December 17, 2006. The more stringent standard provides greater protection to human health. Iowa had been in attainment with EPA standards for PM2.5 prior to 2007.

The small size of PM2.5 allows it to easily bypass the human body’s respiratory defenses and become lodged deep within the lungs. As fine particulate levels rise, people with lung or heart disease, as well as the elderly and children, are the first to experience symptoms. Elevated fine particle levels can also aggravate asthma and decrease lung function. Even healthy people who are active outdoors can be affected when PM 2.5 levels are high.

The preliminary 2007 report is available on the DNR website at http://www.iowacleanair.com/prof/monitor/monitor.html.

Editor’s Note: Design values for Des Moines are expected to meet federal standards, but are not currently included in the report. This is due to additional calculations for incomplete data that must be approved by the EPA. A technical media release concerning the 2007 fine particulate monitoring report is posted at www.iowacleanair.com/news/articles/08mar28a.html.