‘Dangerous’ air blankets North Shore, closes local beaches

More than 100 wildfires in Canada caused a smokey haze to hang over Chicagoland this morning, leading the National Weather Service to issue an air quality alert for Thursday, July 16. 

In response, North Shore park districts and other agencies are closing beaches, canceling events and recommending residents stay indoors.

Local air quality, measured in Wilmette but consistent across the area, on Thursday morning was “dangerous,” reaching above 300 on the air quality index, according to Accuweather.com. The index measures at least six pollutants in the air and “dangerous” is the highest of six designations (excellent, fair, poor, unhealthy, very unhealthy and dangerous). 

The American Lung Association recommends that children, older adults and individuals with respiratory disease avoid all outdoor physical activity when the air quality is over 100 AQI. 

The most prevalent current pollutant, according to Accuweather is “Fine Particulate Matter,” which are inhalable pollutant particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream and result in “coughing or difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, and the development of chronic respiratory disease.”‘

The Skokie Health and Human Services Department advised everyone to limit outdoor activities, regardless if they have respiratory disease or not.

The Wilmette and Glencoe park districts announced their lakefronts will be closed for the rest of the day. The Winnetka Park District said its beaches would be closed until at least 3 p.m. and will reassess the safety situation at 2 p.m.

The Skokie Park District announced on Facebook its pools would be closed for the day.

Highland Park’s weekly Food Truck Thursday event has been canceled as well, and the Chicago Botanic Garden is also closed.

Air quality conditions are expected to improve by tomorrow, July 17.

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