Fourth of July fireworks linked to spike in air pollution

A new study suggests fireworks not only put on a dazzling light show, they also release large amounts of pollution.

On average, concentrations of air-borne particles rose 42 percent around the Fourth of July, according to a new study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Researchers used several years of data from 315 U.S. air quality monitoring stations around the country to gather their results.

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(The location of the 315 U.S. air quality monitor stations used in the recent NOAA study. Image by Abigail Birnbaum/ NOAA.)

The researchers were looking for small, airborne particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5).

This size particle is especially hazardous to humans, said NOAA senior scientist Dian Seidel, who led the study.

"We can inhale these fine particles deeply into our lungs and then we don’t exhale them as much as we do for larger particles," she explained.

"They can lodge in our lungs and cause problems down the road."

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to these particles can lead to coughing, wheezing, asthma and even heart problems.

To see how much PM2.5 is in the air on Independence Day, Seidel and her team looked at levels from July 2nd to July 6th.

They noted a dramatic spike on the Fourth, starting around 8 p.m. and trailing off after midnight.

(A graph showing air pollution concentrations on the Fourth of July (in red) as compared to control days (in blue). Image via NOAA.)

The pollution is believed to be from fireworks displays, which typically start around 8pm as the sun goes down.

The increase is short-lived though. Seidel noted that concentrations of PM2.5 return to background levels by noon the next day.

Still, she says the increase is worth taking note of, especially for people prone to asthma or those with sensitive lungs.

"When most people think of air pollution I don't think the firs thing that comes to mind is fireworks," she said.

Most monitors didn't detect levels of PM2.5 above the EPA's acceptable limit, though some did, according to Seidel.

The EPA normally restricts activities that result in significant amounts of pollution, but the agency has a limited exception for fireworks on the Fourth.

"Our rules recognize the importance of fireworks on the Fourth of July and other significant holidays," the agency said in a statement.

They also recommended that older adults, children and people with heart or lung diseases stay upwind from a big pyrotechnic show.

Those with asthma should avoid the smoke plumes from a fireworks show as well and have ave their quick relief medicine nearby in case it is needed.