Winds Kick Up Unhealthy Dust Levels In Mason City

DES MOINES— High winds kicked up dust particles in northern Mason City Wednesday, causing air quality to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, according the DNR.

Typically, extended and prolonged outdoor exertion is needed to increase respiratory risks, said Brian Button, DNR air information specialist.

The state has an air monitor located at 17th and Washington, near two cement kilns.

Both cement manufacturers have taken steps to control not only vented emissions over the last several years, but also windblown dusts from storage piles, hauling roads and other areas. This is the first unhealthy air quality measured in Mason City since February 2002.

Under the national Air Quality Index (AQI), recent air conditions measured 104 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.

Iowans can view current air quality conditions in Iowa and nationally at www.iowacleanair.com.

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