Air quality is currently listed as “unhealthy” in eastern Iowa and an air quality alert has been issued for the state, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the federal Environmental Protection Agency. 

The alert was put into effect this morning and will last through midnight Friday night.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has caused air quality to worsen, with Johnson, Louisa and Iowa counties all being entirely listed as unhealthy. Most of Washington County, approximately half of Keokuk and Henry counties, and the northeastern corner of Jefferson County are listed as unhealthy. The remaining areas of eastern Iowa are unhealthy for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, and those under 18.

Those affected are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor activities, take additional breaks when doing outdoor activities, and watch for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.