Chicago's Air Quality Plunges to Hazardous Levels, Prompting Concerns and Warnings

Air quality in Chicago has reached hazardous levels due to wildfire smoke from Canada, with the Air Quality Index rising to 228, among the worst in the world. Dr. Ravi Kalhan warns that breathing the current air quality is equivalent to smoking half-a-pack of cigarettes a day, posing long-term risks to heart and lung health. The Chicago Department of Public Health advises individuals with chronic lung diseases and heart conditions to stay indoors and recommends wearing N95 or KN95 masks for prolonged outdoor activities. Operating air purifiers and keeping windows closed are also recommended.