Particulate Matter: Highly Widespread.

As a local Iowan I am well aware of how rural our state is and how often locals are stereotyped to solely farmers and agriculture workers. Air pollution is often incorrectly assumed to be a problem only urban cities and densely populated areas are facing; this misconception plays a profound role in downplaying the urgency of air pollution within Iowa’s rural counties. I believe the environmental and health impacts that air pollution has on rural states are just as citrical as those experienced in urban areas, rural states like Iowa must be held equally accountable for maintaining higher air quality standards. (EG)

One of the most widespread and concerning pollutants in Iowa’s air is called particulate matter (PMs). Certain PMs seem to be most prevalent during the warmer months and harvest season. These toxins are especially detrimental to humans because they cannot be seen by the naked eye and also range in sizes small enough (PM2.5 to PM10) to irritate Iowans respiratory systems and cause highly adverse health effects in humans and the environment. “Cities in Iowa which have exceeded the PM-10 standard in recent years are Buffalo, Davenport, Des Moines, and Mason City” (Iowa Association of Naturalist: Iowa Air Pollution, 2018). (EG)

PM2.5 is considered to be the most hazardous because it has the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing chronic irreversible damage. PM10 is slightly larger than PM2.5, but can still highly irritate human respiratory tracts and cause adverse health effects. Agriculture activities are a major source of pride for many Iowans, the side effects of harvesting season and minimal regulation contribute heavily to increased PM emissions in Iowa. Harvesting season highly increases the amounts of PMs released into the atmosphere due to high transportation of rates, burning of crops and improper maintenance. (EG)

Chemical pollutants significantly affect the overall quality of Iowa’s air, these pollutants are continuously released into Iowa’s air and the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic activities. Chemical pollutants include a wide range of harmful substances like heavy metals (lead and mercury), VOCs, particulate matter and more. All chemical pollutants have the ability to reduce Iowa’s air, soil and water, all of these essential elements are highly and complexly interlinked and decreasing the quality of one will likely decrease the quality of the rest of the elements. Previously mentioned the most hazardous element within chemical pollutants is particulate matter which are influenced by agriculture activities but are also highly present in Iowa’s coal fired power plants, motor vehicles and wood burning activities. (EG)

Though Iowa is predominantly a rural state with an economy that relies heavily on agriculture, this reliance comes at a serious cost to Iowasn health. Many chemical pollutants have the ability to cause short and long term effects, prolonged exposure can highly contribute to chronic illnesses, weakened immune system and increase risk for cancer. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, “U.S. EPA and Iowa DNR regulate 188 air pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects such as reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental consequences” (Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 2025). This widespread pollution poses a significant threat especially in rural areas where public health awareness is lower, healthcare access is limited and regulations are looser. (EG)