Weekend Air Unhealthy in Clinton, Scott Counties

For more information, contact Brian Button with the Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-7832.

DES MOINES—Air quality in Clinton and Scott Counties was unhealthy for sensitive groups over the Labor Day weekend, due to microscopic sized particulate matter, the DNR reported today.

The Air Quality Index measured 110 on Friday in Clinton County and 103 in Scott County. On Saturday the AQI was 112 in Clinton County and 111 on Sunday. Air quality was moderate on Saturday and Sunday in Scott County.

Levels elsewhere across Iowa were elevated, but still in the moderate categories. Other areas of the Upper Midwest also experienced similar conditions. 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.

Iowa’s air quality still meets federal health standards, but an increase in the number or severity of days with unhealthy air could pose clean up efforts. Extreme eastern Iowa typically has several days of unhealthy air annually.

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.)

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.