Video: Joining “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the effect of wildfires on Chicago’s area quality are Dr. Juanita Mora, of the Chicago Allergy Center and American Lung Association, Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs for the Respiratory Health Association, and Paul Sirvatka, professor of meteorology at the College of DuPage. (Produced by Andrea Guthmann)
Chicago smells like a campfire, as smoke from wildfires burning in Canada settled over the city Tuesday, prompting an Air Quality Alert from Illinois EPA.
Air quality hit very unhealthy levels, meaning the risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Air quality updates are available online.
Sensitive groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid long or intense activities outdoors and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Additional precautions include running air purifiers, closing windows and wearing masks outdoors.
Among major cities around the globe, Chicago has the worst air quality, with Minneapolis and Detroit also suffering from the smoke, according to one measure.
“As we work to respond to the immediate health concerns in our communities, this concerning episode demonstrates and underscores the harmful impact that the climate crisis is having on our residents, as well as people all over the world,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.
As a result of the air conditions, some Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools activities were moved inside, where possible, according to the city.
The wildfires have been creating intermittently hazy skies and polluted air since May. New York City was hit the hardest in early June and the smoke has now crossed the Atlantic Ocean and is affecting Europe.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect Tue, 6/26 - Wed, 6/27. Smoke from wildfires in Canada has moved into the region. Residents should take precautions & follow doctor prescribed regimen. To stay up to date on the latest air quality in your area, visit: https://t.co/Qio7ZprpA8
— Illinois EPA (@ILEPA) June 27, 2023
Stay safe, Chicago!
Air quality in Chicago is now at an unhealthy level due to wildfire smoke from Canada. Limit your exposure by avoiding strenuous activities and shortening your time outdoors.
Watch for more updates and guidance: https://t.co/ZEv9ZFxa79#AirQuality pic.twitter.com/gSkeXojGtW
— CDPH | Chicago Department of Public Health (@ChiPublicHealth) June 27, 2023
Copious amounts of smoke from wildfires raging throughout Quebec, Canada will reach Western Europe in the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/Uxx402al87
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) June 25, 2023
Canada wildfire tally now pushing close to 8 million ha burned with 2023 year-to-date close to double the max of previous peak years. And at least two months to go in fire season. https://t.co/zkmGFHOb9t pic.twitter.com/xRLC7QrX4B
— Marc Lee (@MarcLeeCCPA) June 27, 2023
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
