DNR confirms Muscatine Exceeded Air Quality Standards 33 times in 2012 | Environment

MUSCATINE, Iowa--Recent air samples taken by Muscatine residents have confirmed poor air quality in the Muscatine area. Air samples taken this years have detected seven toxic chemical and fine particles that could harm human health across Muscatine County.

Volunteers with Clean Air Muscatine and Physicians for Social Responsibility were trained by Global Community Monitor in April 2012 to test air quality. During sampling events, community members described stinging eyes, sore throat, “blue haze” and overall bad odor.

One air tester, Dave Anson said, “My neighbors and I have to endure poor air quality on a regular basis. These conditions are not tolerable. Our test results show chemicals in our air at levels that can be harmful to our health and our property. We want this to change now, not years from now.”

According to air quality expert, Dr. Mark Chernaik, “the average air quality of the dataset exceeds both the US EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standard and the World Health Organization’s annual air quality standards for exposure to PM 2.5.”

Toxic gases detected in the South End area near GPC included: acetaldehyde, acetone, acrylonitrile, chlorobenzene, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and toluene. Many of these chemicals can be harmful to human health depending on the length of exposure.

Ruth Breech, Bucket Brigade trainer, visited Muscatine in April. She said “testing results show that industrial chemicals are crossing into the community. This is a serious issue that should require immediate attention by industrial managers and agency leaders.”

According to the most recent report release by the Iowa DNR on November 12, Muscatine exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 33 so far in 2012. In 2011, Muscatine exceeded the standards 36 times.

Submitted Press Release