A representative from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources discusses the effect the air quality from the Canadian Wildfires has on the state.

Environmental Specialist Todd Russell tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the recent smoke that is traveling south is keeping Iowa in the yellow or moderate category compared to the good (green) category. He zeros in on the concerns people should be on the lookout for.

“Folks that are asthma, very sensitive to pollutants in the air, should probably take precautions. If it gets into the orange category, then that’s definitely unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Russell says that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) creates a national map using their data. He details the significance of the different colors on the spectrum.

“Green category, that would be no one should have to worry about air pollution. When the level gets a little bit higher, depending on what pollutant it is, it goes into the moderate category (yellow). It’s not unhealthy but extra sensitive people should think about whether or not they want to work out outside. Then the orange category, which is set at the level of the national standard, which EPA considers unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Russell explains that children, the elderly, people with asthma, and cardiovascular disease are highly susceptible to poor air quality. He adds that there are two greater categories above orange which is dangerous for everybody.