Air Quality

About: 

To protect public health, the City may cancel or modify outdoor events and activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels. We follow guidance from the National Weather Service and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which issues Air Quality Alerts when pollution levels are expected to be high.


Air quality index forecasts and levels can be found at AirNow.This tool was created in partnerships between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state, and local air quality agencies. AirNow has created an educational document regarding air quality levels from safe to unhealthy and how to reduce exposure.

What actions will Evanston take?

The City of Evanston will take the following actions depending on the Air Quality Index:

Air Quality Index (AQI) Action
101 – 150 Issue an advisory regarding the air quality standards
151 – 200 With an abundance of caution, the City will consider moving or rescheduling outdoor events
201+ Cancellation of outdoor events

Evanston 311 and first responders will be on alert and prepared to respond when community members are impacted due to poor air quality situations.  Community members should stay informed by checking the City's website, Facebook, and Twitter for updates.