Latest Data Shows Monitors in Scott and Muscatine Counties Meet EPA Fine Particle Standards

The latest data from air monitors in Muscatine and Scott counties shows that all monitors that violated the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine particles over the period 2005-2007 now meet the standard over the period 2006-2008.

The 24-hour fine particle standard is violated when levels exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m^3). Monitored levels at Garfield School in Muscatine dropped from 36 to 35. Monitored levels at Black Hawk Foundry in Davenport dropped from 37 to 34. Levels at all other fine particle monitors in Davenport also dropped by 3 ug/m^3.

“I am encouraged that fine particle levels in Davenport and Muscatine have dropped slightly, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Catharine Fitzsimmons, chief of the DNR’s Air Quality Bureau. “I am hopeful that with aggressive voluntary efforts at the local level and continued work to reduce statewide background levels, we can continue to meet this important health benchmark in Iowa.”

The Department of Natural Resources will now petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use the newest data to rescind recent actions designating portions of Davenport and Muscatine as Nonattainment Areas.

Fine particles have been linked to many cardiovascular and respiratory problems such as premature death, heart attacks, asthma exacerbation, and acute bronchitis.