Chicago Registers ‘Worst Air Quality in World’ Amid Canada Wildfires; Experts Warn of Health Implications

A jogger runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires in the background in Chicago, Ill., on June 27, 2023. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

Chicago recorded the worst air quality in the world on June 27, triggered by continuing Canadian wildfires, and officials are warning about the health implications posed by the concerning air quality across the U.S. Midwest.

The Air Quality Index in Chicago reached 195 on June 27, according to Swiss air technology company IQAir. Detroit was second at 171, according to IQAir.