Air Quality Advisory for All Iowa Counties through Wednesday

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for the entire state with the worst air quality expected in the Eastern third of Iowa. Eastern Iowa is currently recording fine particulates at concentrations the EPA considers unhealthy. At this level sensitive groups of people as well as the general public may experience health effects. Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to increase throughout the day and persist in these areas thru tomorrow. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke continues to move through the state.

The DNR recommends that people reduce long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve. This recommendation is especially pertinent to individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers, but even healthy individuals may be affected. People in these categories should consider rescheduling or moving outdoor activities indoors.