(Emmetsburg)– The hazy conditions we’ve been experiencing the past several days is the result of stagnant air, which, in some cases, has been carrying unhealthy amounts of pollution.
That word from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Officials say fine particulate pollution levels approaching the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s health threshold were measured this (Friday) morning in four Iowa counties, including Palo Alto county. This (Friday) afternoon, officials say particulate levels were elevated across all of Iowa.
Officials recommend those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged exposure to the outdoor air until conditions improve.
The EPA’s 24-hour health threshold for fine particles is 35 micrograms per cubic meter. At mid-day today (Friday), the level of average fine particulates in Emmetsburg was measured at 49 micrograms per cubic meter.
Officials say the particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources as well as by reactions in the atmosphere. The stagnant air doesn’t allow the particles to disperse, and pollutant levels rise as a result.
Air quality is expected to improve Sunday as winds will increase with the approach of a cold front.
