As if the high temperatures blasting Southern California weren’t enough, residents also need to be concerned about air quality after the fireworks of July 4.
Because of Independence Day celebrations, the South Coast Air Quality Management District anticipates hazardous air quality levels “throughout parts of Los Angeles and Orange Counties and the Inland Empire on July 4th through July 5th.”
Fireworks create fine particle pollution, including metal air pollutants, making July 4 and 5 “among the worst (highest) days of the year” when it comes to air quality, the AQMD said.
After fireworks are detonated, their pollution adds to the smog and industrial emissions already present in the area. When personal or “backyard” fireworks are utilized, those neighborhoods could be worse even than the already hazardous levels in the larger region.
Furthermore, backyard fireworks can spark wildfires, which add even more pollution to the air.
To avoid health impacts like heart attacks, asthma aggravation, coughing or difficulty breathing, the AQMD offered the following tips:
- Limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, or seek alternate shelter
- Avoid vigorous physical activity
- Run air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
To view current air quality in your neighborhood, download the South Coast AQMD app or visit aqmd.gov/AQImap.