July 4th fireworks may impact air quality for sensitive groups in Southern California

Emissions from fireworks set off on Wednesday, July 4 may contribute to unhealthy air quality in parts of Southern California this week, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The SCAQMD advisory, in effect from Wednesday through Thursday, says smoke and combustion byproducts from the fireworks are expected to add to the particulates already present in the region from vehicle emissions. That region includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as Coachella Valley.

It’s possible that, for inland areas, ozone levels may reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. While the general public might not be affected, athletes, young children and teenagers, the elderly and those with asthma, lung disease or heart ailments may be at risk.

People sensitive to air pollution should limit outdoor exercise and avoid heavy exertion, according to SCAQMD.

The categories, known as the Air Quality Index, are good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous.

Patrick Chandler from SCAQMD said the air pollution agency regularly issues air quality advisories ahead of Independence Day fireworks celebrations.

However, he said, a heat wave arriving Thursday may trigger another advisory, depending on weather conditions.

Weekend heat wave

Some areas of Southern California are expected to see triple-digit temperatures Thursday and Friday, according to weather forecasts. The National Weather Service will issue an excessive heat watch Friday through Sunday.

Heat waves also contribute to worsening air quality. High temperatures and sunlight help cook the chemicals from vehicle emissions into ozone.

Ozone, the main component of smog, aggravates respiratory conditions.