Global Courant
Dozens of fireworks displays and many smaller backyard or neighborhood pyrotechnic displays lit up the Southern California sky during the July 4th celebration on Tuesday — with an almost immediate negative effect on air quality in the region.
Air quality monitors from Pasadena to Long Beach fell to unhealthy levels around 10 p.m. Tuesday after measuring in mostly healthy levels for most of the day, according to the US Air Quality Index. In the hours after fireworks displays were launched, levels dropped to dangerous ranges in some parts of the region, increasing the likelihood of adverse health consequences.
Each year, the South Coast Air Quality Management District warns how the holiday’s colorful displays are expected to once again bring some of the worst air quality days of the year as fireworks emit high levels of particulate pollution and airborne metals. Both byproducts are known to have negative health effects, the agency said.
While some coastal fireworks displays were canceled this year following a dispute over new environmental regulations — and some communities switched to more environmentally friendly drone or light shows — fireworks still had a significant effect on the skies in Southland.
As early as Wednesday — hours after most of the fireworks ended — air quality in a few areas, including the eastern San Gabriel Valley and the San Bernardino area, reached dangerous levels, what the U.S. Air Quality Index considers to be the most concerning level.
Air quality in Glendora and parts of the Inland Empire, including Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga, remained at very unhealthy levels at the air quality index on Wednesday morning, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Much of the Los Angeles area remained at the unhealthy level.
These levels indicate conditions in which anyone could experience adverse health effects from poor air quality, such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation, while sensitive groups, including pregnant people and people with asthma, could experience more serious problems, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The Air Quality District recommends that people stay indoors, close windows, and turn on air conditioning or purifiers when the air quality is poor.
