A poor air quality advisory has been released by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for areas throughout the south coast air basin and Coachella Valley on July 4th through July 5th.
Officials are anticipating poor air quality during the holiday weekend as fireworks are known to emit high levels of particulate matter, as well as metal air pollutants, all of which can contribute to negative health effects.
Fine particulate matter levels on July 4th and July 5th are typically among the worst (highest) days of the year in the South Coast Air Basin. The smoke and combustion products from fireworks add to the particles already present in the Basin caused by motor vehicles, fugitive dust and industrial emissions.
The use of personal “backyard” fireworks may lead to localized fine particulate matter concentrations above observed regional levels and can spark wildfires.
Breathing in the fine particulate matter can lead to cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) may reach the Very Unhealthy AQI category or higher from the evening of Monday, July 4th through the early afternoon on Tuesday, July 5th.
Areas of direct impacts may include major portions of the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley. Air pollution levels are typically worse in areas with widespread consumer grade fireworks use.
To avoid increasing PM2.5 levels even further, South Coast AQMD recommends that the public avoid burning wood during periods of poor air quality.
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