Residents across the Chicago area are being warned of unhealthy air quality that could affect their health through Friday night. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for much of northeastern Illinois, as ozone levels climb into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range due to stagnant summer weather and increased pollution from Fourth of July activities.
Affected Areas and Timing
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the National Weather Service have issued the alert for several counties, including Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Kendall. This alert covers major cities like Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, and Waukegan. The alert is set to remain in effect through Friday night, with air quality worsening during the afternoon and early evening hours, particularly on the Fourth of July.
What’s Causing the Poor Air Quality?
Ozone Pollution: Ozone, a harmful pollutant, is at the center of this air quality issue. High ozone levels can make breathing difficult for sensitive individuals, particularly during hot and sunny weather.
Fireworks Smoke: Smoke from fireworks is expected to increase fine particle pollution (PM2.5) during the evening hours, further degrading air quality. These particles can be harmful to the lungs and may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Health Risks and Recommendations
The alert warns that vulnerable individuals, including those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, may experience difficulty breathing and other symptoms. To protect your health:
Limit Outdoor Activity: Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon and evening when pollution levels are highest.
Keep Children Indoors: Parents are advised to keep children inside during the peak hours of poor air quality.
Use Alternative Transportation: To reduce emissions, try to avoid unnecessary driving and use public transportation when possible.
Use Electric Lawn Equipment: Instead of gas-powered lawnmowers or trimmers, consider using electric equipment to reduce pollution.
Impact on July 4th Festivities
The air quality alert coincides with one of the busiest travel periods of the summer and the July 4 celebrations. The combination of heavy traffic and fireworks could make air quality even worse, especially in the evening when fireworks displays are most common. Those planning to celebrate outdoors should consider these air quality concerns and plan accordingly.
How to Stay Safe
In addition to limiting outdoor activity, it’s important to:
Stay Informed: Check local air quality reports for updates and potential worsening of air conditions throughout the week.
Avoid High-Intensity Outdoor Workouts: If you exercise outdoors, avoid doing so during the peak hours of the alert.
With unhealthy ozone levels and additional pollution from fireworks, the air quality alert for Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, and surrounding areas highlights a serious health concern for sensitive groups. The alert is in effect through Friday night, and more updates may be issued if air quality continues to worsen. Residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible and take precautions to reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants during this time.
