Picture credited to Iowa DNR
Smoke from wildfires in Northwestern Canada is making its way down south into the United States, causing fine particulate levels across Iowa exceed air quality standards. An announcement released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today (Thursday) states that the levels of fine particulate matter exceed the 35 micrograms per cubic inch averaged over a 24-hour period which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Until a weather system sweeps the smoke out of the area, air quality will be affected over the next couple of days with large amounts of particulates, and gases that may act as ozone precursors, leading high levels that exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Individuals labeled as part of the sensitive group may include those diagnosed with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens and anyone that works outdoors for extended periods of time. It is predicted that fine particulate levels will reach levels considered unhealthy and will recommend everyone to consider limiting outdoor activities. Ways to protect yourself is to shorten outdoor activities and to decrease the intensity of that activity, take frequent breaks and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. Those with asthma should have relief medicine readily available and those with heart disease should watch for palpitations, shortness of breath and unusual fatigue and contact healthcare provider if any of those symptoms appear.
