Air quality alert issued for Central and Eastern Iowa

State officials have issued an air quality alert for central and eastern Iowa, due to air pollution. Brian Button, an air quality specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says small, microscopic soot particles are in the air that can be inhaled — and can cause respiratory problems. Button says on a day like today, people with asthma, those who suffer from heart and lung disease, the very young and the very old, even athletes will notice some symptoms if they’re out of doors. Button says if possible, central and eastern Iowans should not over-exert themselves while outside today, and probably tomorrow as it’ll take awhile for cleaner air to float over the state. You can see the hazy conditions when you’re outdoors.Button says the haze is caused by the humidity and the particulates that are suspended in the air. The smog alert is widespread through Iowa, Minnesota and other states. Button says this type of weather is typical for August and early September, or early in the summertime. Button says Iowa’s air still meets federal guidelines, but if there are more smoggy days in the state, Iowa motorists and businesses might face new restrictions from the federal government to cut down on air pollution.