Dear Neighbor,
Air quality in Chicago continues to worsen due to wildfires in Canada. According to monitoring data, the air quality in Chicago and the surrounding region is now classified as Hazardous. The official recommendation is for everyone to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.
If possible, you should stay indoors and keep windows closed. When using air conditioning, keep the outdoor air intake closed and clean the filter to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Reduce your use of fireplaces and wood stoves, and do not use candles or smoke indoors. If you go outside, avoid exertion and consider wearing a respirator (N95 or P100 mask).
Particle pollution can cause serious health problems, such as coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes. Everyone should pay attention to air quality, but it is especially important for people who may be at greater risk, including those with heart disease or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers.
To track air quality, visit airnow.gov.
