Southern California – As thousands of Californians prepare for Independence Day festivities, state and federal agencies are urging residents to reconsider traditional outdoor celebrations—especially those involving fireworks and barbecues—due to dangerous air quality levels expected across much of Southern California.
The National Weather Service and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) have issued warnings that fine particle pollution is expected to spike sharply in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire beginning Friday evening and continuing through Saturday. The source: a combination of stagnant weather, increased holiday emissions, and the dense smoke generated by both professional and backyard fireworks displays.
The AQMD says July 4th and 5th consistently bring some of the worst air quality of the year to the South Coast Air Basin. Fireworks, in particular, are known to release high levels of PM2.5 and PM10—microscopic particles that can lodge deep in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. These particles are also laced with toxic metals that contribute to serious health risks…