Part of the Chicago skyline is seen from East Solidarity Drive near the Adler Planetarium in the South Loop, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Justin Myers/Sun-Times

Chicago’s air quality was among the worst in the world after Canadian wildfire smoke drifted south to create unsafe conditions for seniors, young children and people with respiratory illnesses.

The poor air quality is due to Canadian wildfire smoke in the region which prompted an air quality alert for the Chicago area Thursday.

“Today is a day to be very cautious about going outside,” said Dr. Brady Scott, a respiratory therapist and professor of cardiopulmonary sciences at Rush University Medical Center.

People with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, have to be particularly careful, said Scott, who added that even healthy in

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