Chicago, IL – Residents across Illinois are facing moderate air quality levels due to smoke drifting south from wildfires in Canada. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has marked the Air Quality Index (AQI) at “moderate” for regions including Chicago and surrounding areas. This classification is largely attributed to the presence of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), which has risen due to the incoming wildfire smoke.
According to the Illinois EPA, this air quality situation is expected to persist through Thursday. Health officials advise that individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children, should limit outdoor exposure. Regular updates and forecasts are available on the AirNow website, which monitors AQI across the U.S.
Local health departments are actively disseminating advice and precautions for residents to mitigate exposure to the smoke. These include staying indoors, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers to maintain indoor air quality. The state continues to monitor the air quality through its network of environmental sensors, ensuring timely updates and safety measures for its residents.
