Independence Day Fireworks Air Quality Assessment

Fireworks are known to emit large amounts of particulate matter (PM) which can contribute to negative health effects. 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 (Basin).

Breathing high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing and difficulty breathing. The pollution from fireworks also contains high levels of several toxic metals.

South Coast AQMD conducts air monitoring and analysis to look at the levels of PM and its metal content during Independence Day Fireworks each year. You can explore the findings through the selection menu on the left.