An air quality alert has been issued for Cook County by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through Saturday, July 18.
Wildfires in Minnesota and Canada are contributing to the drop in air quality, with smoke drifting south into northeast Illinois.
Air quality in the Homewood-Flossmoor area reached Air Quality Now’s index number of 380 by 8 p.m. Thursday, July 16. The index refers to concentrations of pollutants in the air. Any number over 200 is considered very unhealthy. A number over 300 is considered hazardous.
While anyone can experience negative impacts from exposure to air pollution, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, children and teens and people with lung and heart conditions are sensitive groups who may be more likely to be impacted if they breathe air with a higher AQI value, according to county officials.
When AQI values are higher, residents in sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activities until air quality improves. Everyone else should avoid long or intense activities outdoors. Residents should use this guidance to protect their pets’ health as well.
Symptoms from breathing unhealthy air include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Residents with asthma should follow their asthma control action plans or contact their health care provider if they experience symptoms. Those with heart disease who experience these symptoms should contact their health care provider.
County residents can minimize use of items that increase pollution, such as cars, gas powered lawn mowers and other vehicles. Taking the bus, carpooling, telecommuting, biking or walking when safe can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Residents can also reduce exposure to air pollution by avoiding drive-thru facilities or other situations where vehicles idle for an extended period of time.
The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability encourages residents to monitor weather, air quality and emergency conditions by subscribing to AlertCook, the County’s text message alert system, and by visiting AirNow.gov and entering their zip code or city to get the most up-to-date air quality information.
To subscribe to AlertCook, text “alertcook” to 888-777. In addition to air quality alerts, subscribers receive severe weather and other emergency notifications.
AirNow.gov reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy. Air quality forecasts are typically issued the afternoon prior but may be updated throughout the day if conditions warrant.
