Officials continue to warn of air pollution around Sinclair site

CEDAR RAPIDS - Linn County Public Health officials continue to warn people living or working near the Sinclair meatpacking plant in southeast Cedar Rapids to stay indoors, limit exercise and avoid outdoor activities until the smoke from the fire has ceased.

Air quality monitoring was completed Sunday morning and elevated particulate pollution remained elevated in the immediate area surrounding the Sinclair fire, according to a Linn County Health news release.

Public Health Officials said this morning the winds were out of the south, placing the extent of elevated particulate levels at 15th SE and Mount Vernon Road, and the forecast shows changing wind patterns over the next 12 – 24 hours winds will be shifting to west – northwest.

“Linn County Public Health will continue to monitor the areas affected through the duration of the fire and will advise the public when particulate pollution levels return to normal,” Jim Hodina, Environmental Services Director for the department, said in the release.”

Public Health officials said it is not necessary to visit an emergency room or physician for minor conditions like eye irritation, coughing, or sneezing, but more serious symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, or loss of consciousness, should prompt a visit to a physician. Symptoms may develop as late as a week after the smoke or dust exposure. People with asthma, other lung conditions, or heart disease may be more affected by the dust and smoke, and may need to see their health care provider, officials said.