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NEWS ARCHIVE
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FOR CLINTON COUNTY
(Clinton Area) -- Elevated fine particle pollution levels were recorded in Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties this morning-DNR details included
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY FOR CLINTON, MUSCATINE AND SCOTT COUNTIES
Elevated fine particle pollution levels were recorded in Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties this morning.
Fine particle levels near EPA health standards are expected to persist until noon Wednesday.
The Department of Natural Resources recommends that Iowans living in this area with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged outdoor exertion until air quality conditions improve.
The EPA’s 24-hour health threshold for fine particles is 35 micrograms per cubic meter.
As of noon today, fine particle levels averaged in the high 30s to mid 50s across Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties. Monitors recorded fine particle levels at 37 in Clinton, 42 in Davenport and 56 in Muscatine.
Yesterday, an air monitor in Davenport recorded a 24-hour fine particle level of 35.5.
Fine particles are emitted by vehicle traffic and other combustion sources, and are formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Stagnant air masses do not allow fine particles to disperse and pollutant levels rise.
The fine particle levels in the state have been following a pattern of rising rapidly during the evening and nighttime hours, and falling back to levels below the standard in late morning or early afternoon. This cycle is expected to continue until noon Wednesday.
EPA’s national air quality map is available online at www.airnow.gov.
Written 3/9/2010 by Dave Vickers - KROS News
