Stagnant Air Causes Fine Particle Levels to Rise in Parts of Eastern Iowa

Pollutant levels approaching the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) health threshold for fine particles were monitored this morning in Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine counties.

The DNR recommends that Iowans with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children limit prolonged exertion until air quality conditions improve.

The EPA’s 24-hour health threshold for fine particles is 35 micrograms per cubic meter. At mid-day Monday fine particle levels in Clinton averaged 37, in Davenport the level is 33, and in Muscatine it is at 36. Fine particle levels are expected to remain elevated until Tuesday morning.

Fine particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources and also formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses do not allow the fine particles to disperse, and pollutant levels rise.

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

Questions may be directed to Sean Fitzsimmons at (515) 281-8923, or Mindy Kralicek at (515) 281-7832.