Particulate Matter Pollution in Chicago: What it is, Why it Matters, and How to Stay Safe – The Chicago Reporter

Report on Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Pollution in Chicago and its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

Air quality in Chicago is significantly impacted by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), which poses a substantial threat to public health and urban sustainability. Sources of this pollution are varied, including seasonal wildfire smoke, year-round industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. The American Lung Association has ranked Chicago 13th in the United States for long-term exposure to PM 2.5, underscoring the chronic nature of this environmental challenge. This report analyzes the issue through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1.1 Defining Fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5)

Particulate matter is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. It is categorized by size rather than chemical composition. PM 2.5 refers to fine, inhalable particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, approximately 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair. These particles can originate from both natural and man-made sources.

• Natural Sources: Pollen, dirt
• Man-made Sources: Wildfire smoke, diesel exhaust, emissions from power plants and industrial processes

2.0 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

2.1 Health Impacts of PM 2.5 Exposure

The microscopic size of PM 2.5 allows these particles to bypass the body’s natural respiratory defenses, penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream. This infiltration poses a direct threat to human health, undermining the objectives of SDG 3. The particles can carry toxic substances, such as metals and hydrocarbons, which are then delivered throughout the body.

2.2 Short-Term and Long-Term Health Consequences

Exposure to PM 2.5 is linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, which vary based on the duration of exposure.

1. Short-Term Exposure: Can trigger acute conditions such as asthma attacks and heart attacks. A 2023 estimate from the Respiratory Health Association projected that diesel exhaust alone would cause over 2,500 asthma attacks and upper respiratory illnesses in Cook County.
2. Long-Term Exposure: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prolonged exposure is associated with more severe, chronic conditions, including reduced lung function, heart and lung diseases, dementia, and premature death.

3.0 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

3.1 Vulnerable Populations

While poor air quality affects all residents, its health impacts are not distributed equally, highlighting a critical challenge for SDG 10. EPA research identifies several groups as being especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution:

• Children
• Older adults
• Pregnant people
• Individuals with pre-existing heart or lung conditions

3.2 Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Exposure

Socioeconomic factors significantly influence exposure levels. In Chicago, there is a clear pattern of environmental injustice where communities of color are disproportionately burdened by PM 2.5 pollution. This disparity is often a legacy of historical discriminatory practices like redlining, which concentrated polluting industries in minority neighborhoods. A study by the Metropolitan Planning Council found that while Latinx residents constitute 30 percent of Chicago’s population, they represent 50 percent of the residents in areas with the highest concentrations of fine particulate pollution. This unequal exposure directly contravenes the goal of reducing inequalities within and among communities.

4.0 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

4.1 Air Quality as a Component of Urban Sustainability

Achieving SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, requires addressing urban air pollution. The persistent levels of PM 2.5 from industrial emissions and vehicle traffic in Chicago demonstrate a failure to meet Target 11.6, which calls for reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality. The visible haze from wildfire smoke further illustrates the vulnerability of urban centers to environmental factors exacerbated by climate change, linking the challenge to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

5.0 Recommendations for Public Protection

5.1 Individual Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate personal health risks from PM 2.5 exposure, residents are advised to take the following protective measures:

1. Monitor daily air quality forecasts through resources like Airnow.gov.
2. Remain indoors with windows and doors closed on days with poor air quality.
3. Use high-efficiency air filters or purifiers to improve indoor air quality.
4. On days with both high heat and high pollution, utilize air conditioning or seek public cool spaces like libraries to avoid both heat stress and pollution exposure.
5. Refrain from activities that generate additional particulate matter, such as burning wood or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, especially on high-pollution days.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     The article extensively discusses the negative health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) on the population of Chicago. It explicitly mentions that exposure can cause “over 2,500 asthma attacks and cases of upper respiratory illness,” and is linked to “heart and lung diseases, dementia and even premature birth.” This directly connects to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The article highlights a significant disparity in who is affected by air pollution. It states that “People of color are disproportionately exposed to PM 2.5” and provides specific data for Chicago: “Latinx Chicagoans are 30 percent of the city’s total population but 50 percent of residents in areas with the highest concentrations of fine particulate pollution.” This addresses the goal of reducing inequality within and among countries by showing how environmental burdens are not shared equally.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The focus of the article is on the air quality within the city of Chicago. It discusses urban pollution sources like “industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust” and ranks the city “13th in the country for long-term exposure to fine particulate matter.” This relates to the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, with a particular focus on environmental impact and air quality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

     The article’s entire premise is built around the illnesses caused by air pollution. The report from the Respiratory Health Association, which “estimated diesel exhaust alone would cause over 2,500 asthma attacks and cases of upper respiratory illness,” directly aligns with the objective of reducing illnesses from air pollution.

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

     The article focuses on the poor air quality in Chicago, a major city. The mention of the American Lung Association ranking the city “13th in the country for long-term exposure to fine particulate matter” is a direct reference to the adverse environmental impact of the city, specifically concerning its air quality.

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

     The article points to a lack of environmental inclusion by demonstrating that certain ethnic groups bear a greater burden of pollution. The finding that Latinx people are disproportionately affected by PM 2.5 pollution in Chicago highlights an inequality that this target aims to eliminate, ensuring all groups can live in a healthy environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).

     The article is centered on “fine particulates” also known as “PM 2.5.” The entire discussion, including the city’s national ranking for exposure and the description of its sources (wildfire smoke, industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust), uses the concentration of PM 2.5 as the primary metric for air pollution. This is a direct and measurable indicator.

   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

     While the article does not provide a specific mortality rate, it strongly implies this indicator by stating that “long-term exposure can lead to reduced lung function and premature death.” Furthermore, it provides morbidity data (“over 2,500 asthma attacks and cases of upper respiratory illness”), which is a key component in assessing the overall health burden attributable to air pollution.

   • Disproportionate exposure rates based on ethnicity.

     The article provides a clear, data-driven indicator of inequality: “Latinx Chicagoans are 30 percent of the city’s total population but 50 percent of residents in areas with the highest concentrations of fine particulate pollution.” This ratio serves as a specific, measurable indicator to track progress towards reducing the environmental inequalities faced by this community, directly relating to Target 10.2.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from air pollution.	Morbidity and mortality from air pollution: Implied by mentions of “premature death” and specific data on “over 2,500 asthma attacks and cases of upper respiratory illness.”
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, paying special attention to air quality.	Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5): The central topic of the article, with Chicago ranked “13th in the country for long-term exposure.”
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: Promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of race or ethnicity.	Disproportionate exposure rates: Measured by the statistic that “Latinx Chicagoans are 30 percent of the city’s total population but 50 percent of residents in areas with the highest concentrations of fine particulate pollution.”

Source: chicagoreporter.com