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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Tips for improving Iowa’s air quality
Spending time outdoors is important for both mental health and physical fitness.
Here are tips for enjoying the outdoors while keeping air quality in mind.
- Spark sustainable fires. Most people enjoy a cozy campfire or fire pit on a starry night. Create a more efficient fire with less smoke by burning only dry wood, not wet wood. Avoid burning plastics and trash that could release toxic chemicals into the air.
- Reduce emissions from your car, boat, and camper. One of the biggest contributors to air pollution is emissions that come from vehicles. Keep engines properly tuned, avoid excessive idling and try to fuel in cooler morning or evening hours to reduce gas vapor from being released.
- Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. Gas-powered engines on lawn mowers and outdoor yard equipment often lack pollution-control devices. An hour running a lawn mower can produce nearly the same amount of pollution as a 100-mile car trip. Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment instead.
- Choose safe alternatives for household cleaners and paints. Many household materials contain toxic chemicals that can be released into the air. Choose “green” products when possible, and be sure to properly dispose of Household Hazardous Materials such as leftover herbicides and paints at Regional Collection Centers in Iowa.
- Adopt air-purifying indoor plants. Healthy air quality is also important inside the home. Many houseplants have the same ability as trees to metabolize air pollutants by removing carbon dioxide and replenishing oxygen levels. Tropical plants with large leaves are especially effective. Some examples are spider plants, peace lilies, elephant ears and rubber plants.
- Check air quality before going outside. Reduce exposure to pollutants before spending extended time outdoors or exercising. People with preexisting lung conditions, young children and the elderly can be especially susceptible to air pollution incidents like Iowa experienced in 2023 from Canadian wildfires. Pay attention to news alerts or check out the DNR’s Air Quality Index Forecast to assess air quality conditions in your area.
Enjoy your time outdoors and do your part to keep Iowa’s air safe and healthy.
For more information, visit: iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Air-Quality/In-Your-Neighborhood.
