High fine particulate pollution in eastern Iowa has prompted the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to issue an air quality alert for east central Iowa Thursday (3/4) and extending into late today (3/5).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 24-hour health standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter was exceeded Thursday in Waterloo (36) and Iowa City (40). Readings as high as 50 were recorded during the period in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Muscatine.
Because of the high particulate levels, residents with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children were warned to limit prolonged outdoor activity.
CLICK HERE for the current Iowa particulate levels.
For additional information on fine particulate pollution and the QC region's brush with non-attainment designation by the EPA last year, CLICK HERE.
