IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A federal appeals court has upheld jail sentences for two egg industry executives whose Iowa company caused a nationwide salmonella outbreak in 2010. In a long-awaited decision, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday backed the three-month jail sentences issued last year to Austin “Jack” DeCoster and son Peter DeCoster.

U.S. District Judge Mark Bennett sentenced them last year, citing a “litany of shameful conduct” that happened at their large egg-production company. But Bennett allowed them to their freedom they appealed the sentences, which the DeCosters argued were unconstitutional and unreasonable. Business groups took up their cause.

In a 2-1 decision, an appeals panel ruled that the DeCosters “are liable for negligently failing to prevent the salmonella outbreak” and that jail time is appropriate.

There’s been some cloudy and cool weather in some areas of the state to start the month of July, but there’s still a lot of summer left. Iowa Department of Public Health medical director, Patricia Quinlisk says you need to remember to use sunscreen when heading out. You can sometimes use the same sunscreen you had last year if it appears to still be good. She says the bottles usually have a date that tells you how long you should keep it around.

But doctor Quinlisk says there are some cases where that date might not be the best guide. “I think if it’s been there awhile — especially if you’re like me and you keep things out in your garage where it goes through the cold of the winter and the heat of the summer — that it probably is not a bad idea to just get new,” Quinlisk says, “that way you know that it is going to be working at its peak effectiveness and you will be protected.”

She says takes a look at your stock of sunblock to be sure it hasn’t expired before you head out, so you can stay protected from the sun.

(Radio Iowa)

Residents of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area who have breathing troubles like asthma may find it particularly difficult to be outside for very long during the day this week. Greg Youell, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, says there are higher concentrations of ground-level ozone, thanks to the steamy weather and pollution. “Ground level ozone is formed when you have the combination of emissions and sunlight and hot temperatures,” Youell says. “Our ozone season typically tracks with baseball season. It’s in the hotter months and these hot summer days is when the ozone could be really high.”

Health officials say readings in Omaha-Council Bluffs will be in the upper end of the moderate range of the Federal Air Quality Index. Despite the ozone issues, Youell says the air quality is usually quite good though the levels are now “teetering on the edge” of the limits. “We don’t want to go into what’s called non-attainment,” he says. “If we did that, it could end up being a big burden on our entire area. It could mean having to do inspections for our vehicles which can lead to more costly repairs for our cars. Also, it limits the ability to some of our businesses to expand and attract new businesses in the area.”

Youell says there are small things residents can do to help reduce the ozone levels. “Limit trips as you’re driving around,” he says. “Carpool or take the bus, walk and bike. Moving the lawn is one thing you want to avoid or at least do it during the cooler hours of the day. The same with refueling your vehicle. If you can do that at dusk or nighttime, that helps to reduce the amount of fuel that’s lost through evaporation.”

Other suggestions include: shutting off your car if you plan to idle it for longer than 30 seconds and sealing all containers that contain paint, cleansers, solvents and other chemicals.

(Radio Iowa)