Winds Kick Up Unhealthy Dust Levels In NW Iowa

DES MOINES— High winds kicked up enough microscopic sized dust particles in northwest Iowa over the weekend to cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, according the DNR.

The DNR’s meteorological equipment recorded hourly average wind speeds greater than 30 miles per hour for eight hours. Other sources reported wind gusts in excess of 40 mph each hour for a ten hour period with a peak gust of 57 mph.

Typically, extended and prolonged outdoor exertion is needed to increase respiratory risks from breathing the microscopic dust, said Brian Button, DNR air information specialist. The state has an air monitor located near Emmetsburg that detected the high readings.

Under the national Air Quality Index (AQI), recent air conditions measured 103 on the index, slightly into the orange classification for “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Prolonged, heavy exertion outdoors could increase the likelihood of symptoms in sensitive individuals such as persons with respiratory and heart disease, the elderly and children.

The higher the color-coded AQI, the poorer the air quality. An AQI of 1 to 50 is green or good, 51 to 100 is yellow or moderate, 101 and higher is orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 and higher is red or unhealthy for everyone, 201 and higher is very unhealthy and 301 and higher is hazardous. The vast majority of days in Iowa fall into the good to moderate conditions.

For more information contact Brian Button at 515-281-7832.