Chicago ranked 2nd for worst air pollution in 2023 among major US cities, global report says

In Chicago and the Midwest

IQAir found the most polluted city, not based on size, in the United States in 2023 was Beloit, Wisconsin, which borders Illinois. Columbus, Ohio, was ranked as the most polluted major U.S. city, ahead of Chicago and Indianapolis was third. PM2.5 levels at the 10 most polluted major U.S. cities all exceeded WHO guidelines.

With eastern parts of Canada experiencing more wildfires than usual, the Midwest was enveloped in thick smoke as a weather system moving counterclockwise pushed air from Quebec and Ontario toward the Great Lakes.

“It was just smoke plume after smoke plume,” Thomason said.

Produced by vehicle exhaust, industry emissions and forest fires, PM2.5 can harm human health and sometimes be deadly. Initially, this particulate matter may cause a burning sensation in the eyes and nose. But because of its small size, it can settle deep in the lungs and cross into the bloodstream.

“It is the most harmful and common air pollutant and causes the most pollution-related deaths. PM2.5 penetrates every cell of our bodies, from the cells in our skin to cells deep in our lungs, and even in our brain,” Hammes said. “With an estimated 7 million premature deaths worldwide every year, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health.”

Concerns about wildfire smoke can compound Chicago’s existing problems with pollution, especially in neighborhoods and parts of the city historically affected by heavy industry.

Olga Bautista, executive director of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, who also participated in the Midwest panel, said harmful air quality events disproportionately affect communities that have long struggled with air pollution.

“Southeast Side of Chicago residents are experiencing higher incidences of (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), higher incidences of heart disease,” Bautista said. “And then, we’re also a community that is medically underserved. So you have a lot of sick people and not a lot of places to get help.”

One of her relatives often takes days off work to stay with her son, who has missed 50 to 60 school days every academic year because of concerns about pollutants in the air; sometimes this includes emergency room visits, she said.

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