Fireworks Cause Hazardous Air Quality In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — In the aftermath of Fourth of July celebrations and glittering fireworks shows, health officials warned Los Angeles residents about the hazardous air quality that fireworks bring.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, particle pollution peaks every year on July 4 and 5. The hazardous conditions can lead to a variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing.

In some extreme cases, the pollution could lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, the AQMD said.

“With so many fireworks going off at once, July 4 and 5 consistently have some of the worst air quality of the year in the South Coast Air Basin,” the AQMD said.

Pollution from fireworks is also known to contain high levels of several toxic metals, the AQMD said. Even smaller backyard fireworks can lead to wildfires and health concerns according to health officials.

On July 4 in 2023 the air quality reached unhealthy to hazardous levels in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties according to the AQMD.

The National Weather Service said pregnant women, children and seniors should limit outdoor activities. To help minimize ozone air pollution levels, the NWS suggested residents:

• conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature;
• try to delay trips to the gas station and use of household chemicals until the evening;
• limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.

The Air Quality Alert is in effect until 7 p.m. on Saturday.