Using data from 315 air quality monitoring sites across the country, researchers have found that July 4 celebrations created a definite spike in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), increasing air pollution by 42 percent on average.
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At 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 4, levels of those particles were more than twice normal, on average, researchers found. But they tapered off overnight and fell back to normal by noon on July 5.
The worst area appears to be the District of Columbia, where fireworks caused a 400 percent increase in pollution, according to the study.
Dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets make tiny particles known as particulate matter, said the Environmental Protection Agency.
“The study is also another wake-up call for those who may be particularly sensitive to the effects of fine particulate matter”, she said.
The study results led the Environmental Protection Agency to note Tuesday that health risk looms over children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases because of particle pollution.
There are over 14,000 firework shows every July 4 across America, but they do not go without their toxic consequences. Specifically, they looked for particles that are two and one half microns in diameter (PM2.5).
While many grew up learning that fireworks can be unsafe to the eyes and hands if not handled properly, fireworks also produce air pollutants, including particulate matter, that are linked to short-term or long-term health effects. [50 Fabulous 4th of July Facts: History of Independence]. At one site in Utah, where fireworks were set off in a field next to the air-quality monitoring site, particulate matter concentrations rose 370 percent on the holiday, well above the EPA standard.
The researchers found that the concentrations of fine particulate matter varied among the locations tested, with proximity to fireworks displays and weather conditions playing a role in these differences.
“These results will help improve air quality predictions, which now don’t account for fireworks as a source of air pollution”, said NOAA scientist Dian Seidel and study lead author.
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So, experts recommend you limit exposure by watching the display from upwind or as far away as possible and if you suffer from asthma, be sure to keep relief medicine handy. The EPA’s rules “discount” particulate matter from fireworks when evaluating risky pollution levels, according to a statement from an agency spokesperson.
