Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Your Heart and Lungs Might Take Exception to the Belief That Fireworks Are Beautiful
By admin
Published 2 years ago on
July 1, 2022

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

 

As people celebrate Independence Day, San Joaquin Valley Air District officials are warning about the unhealthy air created by fireworks.

“We are asking Valley residents to be mindful and considerate of their neighbors and the many sensitive individuals whose health may be impacted by the emissions that come from lighting personal fireworks,” said Samir Sheikh, the agency’s executive director said.

How Do Fireworks Affect Valley Air Quality?

Officials say personal fireworks emit high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) including soot, ash, and metals, which can cause serious health effects.

Instead of heading to the firework stands for packs of personal and individual fireworks, officials advise friends and families to participate in local professional, and community fireworks shows as a safer alternative to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“There are many ways to be patriotic and celebrate our nation’s independence without lighting fireworks,” said Sheikh.

The Fresno-Madera-Hanford metro area is often ranked at the top of the list for the nation’s worst 24-hour particle pollution. This year, the region also ranked among the worst for annual particle pollution and unhealthy ozone levels.

Particle matter can range from 10 micrometers to 2.5 micrometers as small as the size of a single human hair. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)

PM2.5 Pollution Can Cause Serious Harm to Public Health

Each year for Fourth of July celebrations, air monitors across the Valley reflect spikes in PM2.5 concentrations from fireworks, often four to five times higher than the health-based federal standard, and typically during evening hours, when personal fireworks are most in use.

Officials say this type of air pollution compromises air quality and public health, and it is especially harmful to older adults, children, and those with respiratory diseases.

Fine particulate matter can invade the bloodstream, get deep into the lungs, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other symptoms from PM2.5 exposure can present themselves as headaches, fatigue, watery, dry eyes, coughing, wheezing, and throat, lung and sinus irritation —including shortness of breath and asthma attacks.

(San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District)

DON'T MISS

The Latest: House Remains in the Balance as World Reaction to Trump Victory Keeps Pouring In

DON'T MISS

Middle East Latest: Israeli Defense Minister Officially Steps Down

DON'T MISS

Wave of Racist Texts After Election Prompts FBI Scrutiny

DON'T MISS

Tulare County Man Brutally Killed at Halloween Party, Six Arrested

DON'T MISS

City of Fresno Buys Half of Eldorado Park in Strategic Maxwell-Led Move

DON'T MISS

GOP Picks up Key House Seats While Democrats Say They Still Have a Path to a Majority

DON'T MISS

Costa Expands Lead Over Maher, Richardson Holds Narrow Edge on Bonakdar

DON'T MISS

Clovis’ Measure A and Sanger’s Measure M Get Good News with Thursday Vote Update

DON'T MISS

President-Elect Trump Has Sweeping Plans. Here’s What He’s Proposed.

DON'T MISS

New Look Basketball Bulldogs Open at Home. How Will They Fare Under Walberg?

UP NEXT

City of Fresno Buys Half of Eldorado Park in Strategic Maxwell-Led Move

UP NEXT

Clovis’ Measure A and Sanger’s Measure M Get Good News with Thursday Vote Update

UP NEXT

New Look Basketball Bulldogs Open at Home. How Will They Fare Under Walberg?

UP NEXT

With Mountain West Title Out of Reach, What Is Fresno State Playing For?

UP NEXT

Fresno County Duo Could Face 20 Years in Crop Insurance Fraud Scheme

UP NEXT

Woman Loses Van Ness Extension Mansion, Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Obstruction

UP NEXT

Central Valley Weekend Packed With Sports, Tacos, Magic and Local Entertainment

UP NEXT

Fresno Man Arrested in SE Gas Station Shooting, Man Hospitalized

UP NEXT

Fresno County Double DUI Crash Leaves One Seriously Injured

UP NEXT

Cat House on the Kings Wants You to Adopt This Adorable Puppy

Tulare County Man Brutally Killed at Halloween Party, Six Arrested

30 mins ago

City of Fresno Buys Half of Eldorado Park in Strategic Maxwell-Led Move

14 hours ago

GOP Picks up Key House Seats While Democrats Say They Still Have a Path to a Majority

15 hours ago

Costa Expands Lead Over Maher, Richardson Holds Narrow Edge on Bonakdar

15 hours ago

Clovis’ Measure A and Sanger’s Measure M Get Good News with Thursday Vote Update

15 hours ago

President-Elect Trump Has Sweeping Plans. Here’s What He’s Proposed.

16 hours ago

New Look Basketball Bulldogs Open at Home. How Will They Fare Under Walberg?

16 hours ago

Americans Seek Fresh Start Abroad as Election Sparks Expat Interest

16 hours ago

President-Elect Trump Names Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff

17 hours ago

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Foe of Drugmakers and Regulators, Is Poised to Wield New Power

17 hours ago

The Latest: House Remains in the Balance as World Reaction to Trump Victory Keeps Pouring In

WASHINGTON – Republican leaders are projecting confidence that they will keep control of the U.S. House as more races were decided in ...

1 min ago

1 min ago

The Latest: House Remains in the Balance as World Reaction to Trump Victory Keeps Pouring In

8 mins ago

Middle East Latest: Israeli Defense Minister Officially Steps Down

19 mins ago

Wave of Racist Texts After Election Prompts FBI Scrutiny

From left to right: Eric Bullard, 18, of Tulare, Matthew Makert, 22, of Visalia, Landon Woods, 20, of Exeter, and three others were arrested in connection with the murder of Angel Puga, 25, of Farmersville. (Tulare County SO)
30 mins ago

Tulare County Man Brutally Killed at Halloween Party, Six Arrested

14 hours ago

City of Fresno Buys Half of Eldorado Park in Strategic Maxwell-Led Move

The U.S. Capitol is seen from Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)
15 hours ago

GOP Picks up Key House Seats While Democrats Say They Still Have a Path to a Majority

15 hours ago

Costa Expands Lead Over Maher, Richardson Holds Narrow Edge on Bonakdar

15 hours ago

Clovis’ Measure A and Sanger’s Measure M Get Good News with Thursday Vote Update

Search

Send this to a friend