Stagnant air may bring pollution concerns

Air quality experts are watching today to see if a stagnant air mass will result in health issues.

Shane Dodge, air quality division manager at Linn County Public Health, said as of this afternoon, fine particulate matter was at acceptable levels.

But pollutants could become concentrated if an air mass continues to stagnate over the area, he said.

The department will issue a warning if the levels rise.

Dodge said an active weather system developing in the next 24 hours should lessen the chance for potential problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency's AIRNow Web site showed Eastern Iowa at a moderate risk for health concerns, with air quality at an acceptable level.

For some pollutants, however, there may be health concerns for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

To see a real-time air quality index for Linn County, go to: www.linncleanair.org

For the AIRNow Web site, see:

http://airnow.gov