Topline
Concentrations of particulate matter–a lethal air pollutant–typically increases 42% on Independence Day due to the fireworks exploding across the country, and the smoke entering U.S. cities from Canadian wildfires could potentially make this year’s celebration worse–here’s how.
Independence Day fireworks displays can potentially worsen air quality in places already impacted by ... [+]
Key Facts
Particulate matter derives from dust or smoke, and its smallest and deadliest form, known as PM2.5, is known to increase during Independence Day fireworks displays.
Inhaling smoke and particulate matter from fireworks can cause an inflammatory response in the lungs, resulting in coughing, a fever and difficulty breathing for both spectators and pyrotechnicians, according to reports from the National Institute of Health.
The NIH noted that health warnings have been issued for vulnerable people to avoid fireworks, after studies showed that high levels of PM following the displays have been associated with increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions; children and individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are especially vulnerable to the pollutants.
This year, Independence Day fireworks displays arrived after over 80 million people across the U.S. were under air quality alerts due to smoke from the wildfires blazing in Canada in June–something many cities are still grappling with.
The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts for parts of the District of Columbia, Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin and Southern California for July 4–with Southern California’s alert being “due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter–” from the wildfire smoke.
Key Background
As reported by chemists from the University of Pennsylvania, chemicals involved in the creation, explosion and coloring of fireworks include potassium nitrate, carbon, sulfur, solid potassium carbonate, solid potassium sulfate, nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide and metal salts. The combustion that results releases harmful chemicals and metals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and perchlorate, into the environment that impact air quality, drinking water and public health. PM2.5–which typically increases on July 4 and has increased due to wildfire smoke–can lead to breathing challenges, coughing and decreased lung function and can be deadly for those with lung and heart disease, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Burning fireworks leads to the release of PAH, which the Center for Disease Control says can be broken down and released from the body through urine and feces if consumed. Perchlorate, a chemical used to oxidize fireworks, has been linked to drinking water contamination.
Big Number
$2.3 billion. That’s how much consumers spent on fireworks last year, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.
Further Reading
What The Air Quality Index Means—And When You Should Stay Inside (Forbes)
More Than 80 Million In U.S. Under Air Quality Alerts From Canadian Wildfire Smoke (Forbes)
Wildfires are bad for air quality. Fireworks can make the smoke worse. (The Washington Post)
