Particulate Air Quality Advisory for Dubuque

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports Dubuque's current elevated air quality index (AQI) in the very unhealthy range, as posted on airnow.gov. 

Surface-level smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted into the area and is expected to impact air quality today and tomorrow, June 27 - 28. At these elevated levels, people sensitive to air pollution should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens may take the following steps to reduce exposure:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• Keep outdoor activities short
• Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them

The general population may take the following steps to reduce exposure:

• Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running)
• Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors
• Plan to be outdoors when particle levels are forecast to be lower

Properly worn N95 masks are effective in reducing exposure to particle pollution. N95 masks can protect those individuals vulnerable to smoke who must be outdoors for extended periods of time. 

Real-time air quality maps and information about the air quality index can be found on EPA’s airnow.gov site.

For more information on health effects of particle pollution, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/air/particulate_matter.html.