Air Quality Unhealthy in Southwest Davenport

DES MOINES-Air quality in southwest Davenport was unhealthy for sensitive groups Monday with an Air Quality Index measuring 104 due to microscopic sized particulate matter, the DNR reported today.

The particulate pollution levels were not widespread over the city, but confined to southwest areas of the city. A second particulate monitor located at Jefferson Elementary School at 10th and Vine measured moderate air quality with an AQI of 85. Monday's Air Quality Index readings elsewhere across Iowa were elevated, but still in the moderate category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reports pollution levels using a color-coded and numerical range for pollutants. The higher the AQI, the poorer the air quality.

An AQI of 1 to 50 is green or good, 51 to 100 is yellow or moderate, 101 to 150 is orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 is red, unhealthy for everyone. Rarely monitored are purple for very unhealthy (201 to 300) and maroon for hazardous (301 to 500.)

Similar pollution episode occurred in the vicinity in March 2000, when air quality measured 113 on the Air Quality Index and 117 this past November.

Particulate matter is a generic term to describe microscopic sized solids, liquid droplets, or aerosols in the air. Because the particles are so small they are able to penetrate the deepest parts of the lungs, increasing the likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, including children, the elderly and those with heart disease.