Air District asks residents to not light personal fireworks this Fourth of July

Fireworks can cause an unhealthy spike in air pollution and create excess smoke and ash in neighborhoods. Smoke, dust, and soot from fireworks and sparklers creates elevated levels of particulate matter close to the ground making it difficult for people to breathe by triggering asthma attacks, coughing, wheezing, and eye irritation. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory issues or heart or lung disease, along with children and the elderly, should limit their exposure.

The Bay Area region often exceeds federal air quality standards in the evening on July 4th and the morning of July 5th due to neighborhood fireworks displays. Safe and sane fireworks, like those purchased at pop-up fireworks stands, contain metal salts used to produce colors, but also cause excessive smoke.

Increased air pollution from fireworks impacts people and pets around homes. Fireworks have the potential to increase the risk of wildfire or house fires, further increasing unhealthy smoke.

View press release(231 Kb PDF, 1 pg, posted 7/2/2020).