Regulators Warn Of Unhealthy Air Due To July 4 Fireworks
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Local air regulators warned Friday that fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend could lead to poor air quality that could have negative health effects.
A "particulate advisory" will be in effect Sunday through Monday afternoon for the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
According to the AQMD, the air quality index could reach the "very unhealthy" level.
"The use of personal `backyard' fireworks also contributes to this air pollution and can further increase how much air pollution a person is breathing," according to the AQMD. "In addition, personal `backyard' fireworks may create even higher levels of fine particulate matter locally that are far higher than regional particulate levels."
Regulators said levels of particulate matter in the air on July 4-5 are traditionally among the worst of the year.
"Breathing fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung diseases," according to the AQMD.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
