Tiny particles from Fourth of July fireworks left areas of Southern California with air that was unhealthy or unhealthy for sensitive groups Sunday afternoon, July 5, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said.
The residue from detonated fireworks put air quality in the hazardous category for parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties during the overnight and early morning hours, but receded during the day, the AQMD said in extending its particulate advisory into Sunday.
That reduction of particulate matter was expected to continue, the agency said, with air quality expected to improve in areas where it had been unhealthful.
But even as the particles dissipate, ozone pollution will keep air unhealthy, or unhealthy for sensitive groups or unhealthy for inland valleys — San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Pomona-Walnut.
Areas affected by firework pollution included several areas of Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita, San Fernando, San Gabriel and Pomona-Walnut valleys; north Orange County; the Corona-Norco and metropolitan area of western Riverside County; and the San Bernardino Valley in San Bernardino County.
“Fine particulate matter levels on July 4th and July 5th are typically among the worst (highest) days of the year in the South Coast Air Basin,” the AQMD said in a statement.
Along with fine particles, fireworks also emit metal air pollutants, the agency said. The smoke and combustion residue combines with existing particle emissions from motor vehicles and other sources, the agency said.
Source: Orange County Register
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