DIAMOND BAR (CNS) – Air quality officials warned Thursday that smoke from Independence Day fireworks is expected to produce hazardous levels of particle pollution across parts of the Southland from Saturday evening through early Sunday afternoon.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a particle pollution advisory, saying the Air Quality Index could reach the hazardous category at times in southern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County.
According to the agency, fireworks release large amounts of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5 and PM10, along with toxic metals. The South Coast Air Basin typically experiences some of its highest particle pollution levels of the year on July 4 and July 5 because of fireworks activity, officials said.
Exposure to elevated particle pollution can aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, trigger coughing and difficulty breathing, and increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, particularly among people with heart or lung disease, according to the agency.
Officials also warned that personal fireworks can create localized spikes in pollution and increase the risk of wildfires. Combined with high humidity, fireworks smoke also may reduce visibility Saturday night, especially in Orange County.
Residents were advised to limit outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoiding strenuous physical activity and using air conditioning or an air purifier if available. Officials also recommended avoiding swamp coolers and whole-house fans that draw outside air indoors.
Current air quality conditions and additional information are available through the South Coast AQMD website at www.aqmd.gov/AQImap.
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