DNR issues air quality advisory for eastern Iowa through Friday

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued an air quality advisory for all counties in the eastern half of Iowa, approximately from Interstate-35 to the east. 

Fine particulate levels near or above EPA health standards are expected to remain elevated Thursday and persist through Friday. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke moves through the state. 

Areas rated in the “unhealthy” category for air quality include all of Floyd, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Howard, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Fayette, Winneshiek, Black Hawk, and Allamakee counties, plus most of Cerro Gordo and Worth counties.

The DNR recommends people reduce long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve. 

Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on the EPA website airnow.gov. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen at fire.airnow.gov/.