DNR: WI in Longest Stretch Of Soot Pollution Since '05

MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Wisconsin is going through its longest stretch of soot pollution since February of 2005. That’s according to the DNR, which extended an air quality watch until 11 p.m. Thursday for 54 of the 72 counties. The only ones not covered are in the far north and northeast parts of the state. The air has not been moving very much since last Sunday. And according to the EPA, Wisconsin currently has the largest mass area of particle pollution in the country from things like vehicles and smokestacks.

The DNR’s Bart Sponseller says the current weather pattern does not have enough wind to blow away the soot that gets trapped in the atmosphere. Most of the state had light rain Wednesday, but that didn’t clean up the air. On Tuesday, Milwaukee had the most dangerous soot levels on the DNR’s measuring chart – and officials said it was enough to cause potential harm to healthy adults. But for the most part, the DNR said the air has been unhealthy for kids and seniors, and those with lung and heart conditions. Those people are advised to keep curtailing physical activity. Forecasters say a new weather system probably won’t be arriving until Saturday.