(Des Moines, IA) -- Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to cause issues with air quality in Iowa. Tom Russell of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau says the air should start to improve in the western of Iowa overnight into early Thursday morning. He says, however, an quality advisory will remain in the eastern half of the state for most of Thursday.
The DNR says elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke moves through the state.
The DNR recommends people reduce long or intense outdoor activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.
Groups sensitive to particulate matter include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens, and outdoor workers. Fine
particulate levels could reach levels considered “unhealthy” where even healthy adults should consider limiting their activities.
Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA’s airnow.gov site. A graphic approximation of the extent and trajectory of the smoke plume can be seen on the map at fire.airnow.gov/.
EPA’s specific guidelines on what precautions can be taken to minimize the impact of high ozone and fine particulate levels are available at airnow.gov/activity-guides