Ohio Health Officials Warn Fireworks Can Spike PM 2.5 to 5 Times Federal Standard
Updated
Updated · Spectrum News 1 · Jun 30
Ohio Health Officials Warn Fireworks Can Spike PM 2.5 to 5 Times Federal Standard
1 articles · Updated · Spectrum News 1 · Jun 30
Summary
Dayton-Montgomery County health officials said July 4 fireworks can push PM 2.5 concentrations to 2 to 5 times the federal health-based standard for several hours.
Those fine particles — along with trace metals such as strontium, barium and copper — can lodge deep in the lungs and bloodstream, triggering asthma attacks, worsening COPD and raising heart attack and stroke risks.
This year’s risk is broader because July 4 falls on a Saturday, prompting shows on both Friday and Saturday and extending exposure opportunities across Ohio.
Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions were urged to check AirNow.gov, keep windows and doors closed, use HEPA air purifiers and stay upwind and as far from smoke as possible.