Take Precautions Related to Poor Air Quality in Northern Illinois

Smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada has significantly reduced air quality in Northern Illinois, including Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Momen Wahidi, MD, medical director of Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute, says air pollutants can pose serious health risks, particularly for the following individuals:

• People with heart or lung disease
• Older adults
• Children
• People who are pregnant

“People with heart or lung disease are strongly advised to avoid spending time outdoors whenever possible,” Dr. Wahidi says.

He recommends that everyone, regardless of health, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as running, vigorous exercise and heavy physical work. If you must be outdoors, limit the amount of time you spend outside and pay close attention to symptoms, such as:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest discomfort
• Unusual fatigue

If symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention.

At home, people should keep doors and windows closed and use air purifiers if available.

Check airnow.gov for the air quality index in your area. Take precautions until air quality is at the green level.

For more information, read Wildfire Smoke in the Air: What Are the Health Effects?