Cedar Rapids, IA — Linn County Public Health is issuing an air quality advisory for the next 24 hours. During this time period, people sensitive to air pollution including those with heart or lung disease and older adults should consider reducing activities that involve prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. The general population may find air quality to be acceptable.

Overnight, elevated ambient levels of fine particulate matter above the daily air quality health standard of 35 mg/m³ were observed.  A peak hourly level of 52 mg/m³ was observed around 3:00am this morning.  Levels continue to remain above the health standard of 35 mg/m³ and will likely remain elevated throughout the day.  

Fine and coarse particles can cause a variety of serious health problems. Effects including higher rates of hospitalization and emergency room visits for high risk individuals have been associated with short-term exposures lasting 24 hours or less. Particles can aggravate heart disease such as congestive heart failure and lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.

You can reduce your exposure to particles by 1) planning strenuous activity when particle levels are forecast to be lower, 2) reducing the amount of time spent at vigorous activity, or 3) choosing a less strenuous activity (e.g., going for a walk instead of a jog).

Tips for reducing particle pollution on days when level are expected to be high:

• Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
• Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.

Real-time and historic ambient air quality monitoring data is posted on the Linn County Public Health Air Quality Website at www.linncleanair.org.  For further questions, please contact the air quality branch at 892-6000.

For more detailed information about air quality where you live:

www.linncleanair.org

www.airnow.gov

www.iowadnr.gov/air/current/current.html

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