Chicago smoked out as Canada wildfires foul the air
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Wildfires in Canada created smoky haze over Chicago Tuesday, making the city's air quality rank among the worst of any major city worldwide.
Driving the news: Residents are asked to limit their time outdoors and consider wearing masks as the city's air quality reached levels considered "very unhealthy" on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
- The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert until midnight, and forecast that Wednesday's conditions will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with asthma or other lung diseases, children and elderly adults.
The big picture: NBC News says the air quality in Chicago and Milwaukee Tuesday rivaled what East Coast cities like New York experienced a few weeks ago.
Why it matters: Air pollutants are accelerants of poor respiratory health, including shortness of breath, asthma episodes and chest pain. Exposure to air pollution can lead to lung cancer, heart attacks and strokes.
- Greater Chicago, especially the South and West Sides, already ranks high in air pollution, and Cook County and Northwest Indiana contribute to the most smog in the Midwest, according to the Tribune.
Between the lines: Climate change means extreme weather conditions like excessive heat and wildfires will persist, so poor air quality days are likely to continue.
Stay safe: Here are ways to stay healthy:
- Stay indoors, and turn on the A/C.
- Use a HEPA filter.
- If you go outside, wear a N95 mask and avoid strenuous activities.
What they're saying: Mayor Brandon Johnson also urged the public and city departments Tuesday to limit driving and refueling.
- Johnson encouraged people without access to A/C to go to public libraries, Park District buildings or the Cultural Center.
- Brian Urbaszewski of the Respiratory Health Association tells Axios, "State officials need to take action on clean air policies to improve air quality in our region, like making vehicle manufacturers sell more zero-emission cars and trucks here."
What's next: AirNow.org predicts Chicago's conditions Wednesday will improve, but only slightly.
What we're watching: Even with Mayor Johnson urging Chicagoans to avoid outdoor activities because of the low air quality, the Cubs decided not to postpone their game against the Phillies at Wrigley Field.