Press Release - Friday, May 30, 2025
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Air Quality Update by Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Public Health
CHICAGO - The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has issued the following update regarding air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires:
- Canadian wildfire smoke has reached Illinois as of Friday, May 30, 2025.
- Currently, smoke models are projecting an increase in fine particulates to northern Illinois Friday afternoon that will sweep southeast through Illinois during the evening and overnight hours.
- Some smoke may linger into Saturday morning with a gradual decrease from northeast Illinois towards central Illinois throughout the day.
- Another round of smoke is possible just to the west of Illinois on Sunday that is being monitored closely.
- AirNow NowCast AQI may show Orange or "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (USG) or higher levels to indicate higher hourly periods.
- The daily Air Quality Index (AQI) for Friday is currently forecasted to be in the Yellow or "Moderate" category for most Illinois sectors.
- Some sectors in the Chicago area have been downgraded to a USG AQI forecast for Friday.
- Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality and air quality forecasts using the latest information on AirNow.gov.
Particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, can cause serious health problems, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and early death. Those most at risk are people with respiratory or pulmonary disorders, as well as children and adults who are active outdoors. Sensitive individuals should follow their doctor's advice. Some symptoms to look out for include wheezing, coughing, a fast heartbeat, tiredness, chest pain and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, call your physician or 911.
Illinois Department of Public Health encourages residents to take the following actions to protect themselves when air quality is Red or "Unhealthy" AQI category:
- Stay indoors and monitor your breathing, especially if you have heart or lung disease, and keep windows and doors closed.
- If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, set your system to recirculate or close the intake.
- Use high efficiency filters in air conditioning systems and portable air cleaners.
- Avoid activities that create more particulate matter indoors, like smoking or burning candles.
- If you cannot avoid working or other outdoors activities, choose shorter or less intense activities, considering rescheduling, and take more frequent breaks.
- Consider wearing a high-quality N-95 or N-100 mask while outdoors.
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