Air Pollution in Chicago Reaches Record Highs This Summer, According to Air Quality Experts

Thirteen Air Pollution Action Days have been issued in Chicago so far in 2023, surpassing the 2012 record of twelve warnings issued that entire year.

Notably, all of this year’s advisories were issued between May and July, and Chicago’s air quality was the worst in the world at the end of June. Comparatively, there was only one air quality advisory last year, four in 2021, ten in 2020, and zero in 2019.

Continue reading to learn more about the causes and health effects of the increased pollution in Chicago, and strategies to protect yourself from hazardous pollutants.

Why Is There So Much Pollution in Chicago Right Now?

There are several factors that are making Chicago’s air quality significantly worse than usual.

Firstly, smoke carried on the wind from nearly 5000 wildfires burning in Canada has been affecting air quality in Chicago and many other midwestern cities since June.

Secondly, unusually high temperatures this summer facilitate the formation of ground-level ozone out of other chemicals in the air, such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. Sources of chemicals that can react to form ozone include cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other pollution sources.

This effect is further compounded by higher usage of air conditioning in the intense summer heat. Some air conditioning units and systems emit ozone or chemicals that can react with each other to form ozone.

Learn More: Kansas City Ozone Alert Marks Smoggiest...

Read Full Story: https://cleanair.camfil.us/2023/09/02/air-pollution-in-chicago-reaches-record-highs-this-summer-according-to-air-quality-experts/

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