Fireworks Lift July 4 Air Pollution 42% as Experts Warn Vulnerable Americans

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 4

Nearly 300 million pounds of fireworks released annually in the U.S. can sharply worsen July 4 air quality, with experts warning children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung disease face the highest risks.
A 2015 study found air pollution rises an average 42% on Independence Day as fireworks smoke adds fine particles, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and metals including aluminum, manganese and cadmium.
That smoke can trigger asthma and COPD flare-ups and has been linked to heart attacks, stroke, lung cancer and premature death, according to the American Lung Association.
Dr. Afif El-Hasan advised high-risk spectators to watch from a distance, stay upwind, carry rescue inhalers, wear a well-fitting N95 and seek immediate care for shortness of breath or chest pain.