Iowa sees impaired air quality from wildfires. Where is it the worst in the state?

It's wildfire season and air quality in Iowa, along with the northern part of the country, is taking a hit as the first major burn of the year sweeps Canada.

Last year, Iowa skies repeatedly became hazy with wildfire smoke from Canada. So far Minnesota and Wisconsin have some of the worst air quality conditions in the country due to the wildfires.

Where are the wildfires in Canada?

Residents in northeastern British Columbia were ordered to evacuate due to wildfires. On Saturday, 3,200 people living in northeastern British Columbia were under an evacuation order, Reuters reported, as fires charred over 24,710 acres.

There are more than 100 active wildfires burning in Canada and six are considered out of control, according to USA TODAY.

Where is the air quality index the worst in Iowa?

Areas of north central Iowa had unhealthy air quality levels as of Monday, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Emmetsburg has some of the poorest air quality in Iowa on Monday. The air quality index was 153. Emmetsburg is just into the unhealthy rating which ranges from 151 to 200. Nowhere in the country has hit very unhealthy air quality index rates, which create health risks for everybody.

What is the Des Moines air quality index?

As of Monday afternoon, Des Moines has good air quality. It is just south of the worst air quality areas of the state. But as the week goes on, the air quality is expected to decrease to a moderate level of concern by Tuesday. This means air quality is acceptable but there could be risks to those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, according to AirNow.

Who should be most concerned about poor air quality?

An unhealthy air quality index may affect members of sensitive groups including people who are elderly or who have pre-existing conditions including asthma, choric bronchitis and emphysema, according to AirNow. People doing intense outdoor activities are also at risk. Poor air quality can cause and worsen lung diseases, according to the CDC.

Immediate effects include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, headaches, stringing eyes and chest pain

How does this year's air quality compare to 2023?

At the end of May last year, Des Moines was under an air quality advisory. The air quality index was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. These levels left a haze over the Des Moines skyline. In June 2023, the wildfire smoke from Canada returned and reached an unhealthy air quality index of 172. People were recommended to wear a mask if they were outside for prolonged periods. Iowa has yet to meet these levels or warn of an air quality advisory.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa sees poor air quality from wildfires. Where is it the worst?