On Friday morning, Minneapolis recorded the second-worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir, ranking just below Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city’s air quality index (AQI) reached 159, classified as unhealthy for all individuals, meaning even healthy people are at risk of irritation and respiratory issues. This situation was triggered by wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada, creating hazy skies and smoky odors across much of Minnesota. Officials issued air quality alerts statewide, urging residents to limit outdoor activity and take protective measures. The event highlights how wildfire activity thousands of miles away can significantly impact public health and daily life in urban US areas.
How Canadian wildfires affected Minneapolis and Chicago
Massive wildfires in Canada have released thick smoke plumes, carried southward by northerly winds, affecting multiple US states. Chicago’s air quality ranked worst in the world on Thursday before improving to 17th place on Friday. Minneapolis, however, worsened, securing the second spot globally for poor air quality. Some south Minneapolis neighborhoods recorded AQI levels of 170, while Hibbing in northern Minnesota saw the highest at 185, considered highly dangerous. These levels represent fine particulate pollution (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream.
Other US cities facing poor air quality
The Midwest experienced widespread impact, with poor air quality reported in Cedar Rapids, Duluth, Eau Claire, Fargo, Kansas City, St. Louis, Wichita, Ashland, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Marquette, Minot, Omaha, Pierre, Superior, Traverse City, and Wausau. States including Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin remained under air quality alerts through Saturday. Millions of residents were exposed to smoke-filled air, prompting health officials to issue emergency guidance and monitor conditions continuously.
Health Risks of unhealthy air quality
According to a University of Minnesota study, air pollution causes over 100,000 deaths annually in the United States. Unhealthy air can trigger asthma attacks, cardiovascular stress, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and those with lung or heart disease. Poor air quality has also been linked to long-term chronic health issues when exposure is prolonged or repeated.
Safety measures recommended by authorities
The National Weather Service and health experts urged residents to:
- Limit prolonged outdoor activity or heavy exertion.
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration.
- Use air purifiers indoors where possible.
- Wear N95 or N100 masks when outdoors for extended periods.
- Reduce activities that worsen pollution, such as outdoor burning or vehicle idling.
Canada’s wildfire season and its US environmental impact
This air quality crisis underscores the cross-border impact of wildfires and the growing influence of climate change on extreme weather and environmental hazards. Canada’s 2025 wildfire season has already burned millions of acres, prompting multiple provincial air quality alerts in Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The US situation also comes after rollbacks of more than a dozen pollution regulations, sparking debates about environmental preparedness and public health policy.Also Read | No death allowed! Why a Spanish town’s ‘don’t die here’ rule captured the internet’s attention