CHICAGO (WLS) — This weekend, the Chicago area is facing potential air quality issues as smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecasted to arrive Friday evening and persist into Saturday.
Meteorologists from ABC7 are monitoring the situation, noting that smoke is expected to begin moving into the area around midday, intensifying by sunset.
The shift in wind direction, now coming from the north and northwest, has facilitated the entry of smoke into the Chicago metropolitan region.
Health experts are warning that the tiny particulate matter in the smoke can pose health risks for everyone, not just those with pre-existing conditions.
For those planning to exercise outdoors, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency cautions that air quality, which was rated as good to moderate on Friday morning, may dip to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
Runners like Nate Peters expressed concern about the changing weather patterns.
“We’ve been having some weird weather; a couple of weeks ago, it was the dust coming in, now it’s the smoke. I didn’t know that. I’m a little bit nervous for my respiratory system,” Peters said.
An air quality tracker is available for residents to monitor conditions across the state via the AirNow government website.
The smoke is likely to linger in lower parts of the atmosphere, making outdoor activities less advisable.
Medical professionals are echoing this caution.
Dr. Juanita Mora from the American Lung Association noted that the influx of wildfire smoke from Canada mirrors a similar event two years prior, which brought significant health concerns.
In response to a series of wildfires in Manitoba, which have forced approximately 17,000 people to evacuate their homes, crews are battling more than 17 active blazes.
Although the current situation is serious, experts believe the impact will not be as extreme as in previous years when Canada’s wildfire season choked much of North America for months.
While the current fire conditions are categorized in the moderate zone, this does not diminish concerns about the health effects of smoke.
Steve Mosakowski, director for respiratory care services at RUSH University, reported an increase in visits to urgent cares and emergency departments for breathing issues during previous smoke events.
“People that are sensitive to having a lot of particles in the air will start to react to this, and that could cause more coughing, more wheezing, and more difficulty breathing,” he stated.
The most vulnerable populations include individuals with asthma or COPD, the elderly, and young children.
In light of this, the American Lung Association is advising residents to stay indoors, especially those close to the affected areas.
To minimize lung irritation, they recommend keeping windows and doors shut to protect indoor air quality.
If symptoms worsen, such as breathing difficulties or eye irritation, individuals are encouraged to seek medical assistance.
“The particles enter the eyes, causing burning, and enter through the nose resulting in congestion. They can also be inhaled, leading to coughing and wheezing,” Dr. Mora explained.
For people who must venture outdoors due to work, such as construction or street vending, wearing an N95 mask is highly recommended, as regular surgical masks do not filter out the harmful particles effectively.
Individuals with known respiratory conditions should consider carrying their inhalers with them during any outdoor activities.
Mosakowski emphasized the need for those who experience significant breathing challenges to seek urgent medical help if necessary.
Comparing the current situation to a peculiar dust storm experienced in the area a few weeks prior, it is clear that the health implications associated with wildfire smoke are serious.
Emergency rooms and urgent care centers earlier saw spikes in patients due to breathing complications.
While Mosakowski does not expect to see the same volume of cases this time, he encourages all residents, especially those with lung conditions, to keep their windows closed and air conditioners running.
Pets, as equally susceptible to the smoke’s effects, should also be kept indoors, especially during high smoke concentrations.
Dr. Michael Bailey from the American Veterinary Medical Association advises pet owners to be vigilant for signs of respiratory distress in their pets, which may include coughing or open-mouth breathing.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Chicago area will remain vigilant in monitoring the air quality and its implications for health during this wildfire season.
With the community’s health at stake, staying informed and taking precautions will be vital in navigating these challenging conditions.
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