CHICAGO — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has declared an Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago metropolitan area on Thursday, June 5, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) stemming from Canadian wildfire smoke.
Affected Areas
The alert encompasses the following counties:
- Cook
- DuPage
- Kane
- Kendall
- Grundy
- Lake
- McHenry
- Will
These regions are expected to experience air quality levels categorized as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG) on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Health Implications
Individuals with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, children, the elderly, and those who are active outdoors are particularly at risk. Symptoms to monitor include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Dr. Juanita Mora, National Medical Spokesperson for the American Lung Association, advises, “If you can see it, guess what? You’re breathing it in, so we have to be careful.”
Recommendations
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Limit outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent indoor air contamination.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters if available.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment like lawnmowers and leaf blowers.
- Conserve energy to reduce overall air pollution.
For real-time air quality updates, visit AirNow.gov or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts.
The smoke affecting the Chicago area originates from extensive wildfires in northern Canada, particularly in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. These fires have already burned approximately 4 million acres and have led to the evacuation of over 17,000 residents. The IEPA notes that this is the first Air Pollution Action Day issued for 2025, highlighting the severity of the current air quality situation.
Have you noticed the haze or experienced any health symptoms related to the current air quality? Share your experiences and tips for coping during Air Pollution Action Days at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
