Particulate advisory issued as LA's air quality fizzles on the Fourth of July - NBC Southern California
This map shows Fourth of July air quality around LA - NBC Los Angeles
There are many reasons to celebrate on the Fourth of July.
Southern California's air quality won't be one of them.
A particulate advisory will be in effect for the region Tuesday and Wednesday due to high levels of particulate pollution from fireworks displays -- both legal and illegal.
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The advisory from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, indicating that levels of airborne particles could cause health problems, will be in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
"The Air Quality Index (AQI) may reach the Hazardous AQI category from the evening of Tuesday, July 4th through the early afternoon on Wednesday, July 5th, the agency said in a statement. "Fireworks emit high levels of particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) as well as metal air pollutants, all of which can contribute to negative health effects.
"Breathing of 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 disease."
July 4 and 5 are typically among the worst days of the year in the South Coast Air Basin for airborne particles, the AQMD said.
Here are some tips to minimize the health risk from poor air quality.
- Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternative shelter.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Run air conditioning and/or an air purifier.
- If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
- Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying and grilling.
Related Knowledge Center: Air emissions
More than 30 years after the last major update of the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Supreme Court has upended the ability of Congress to give the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies broad scope to combat air pollution, including the emission of greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, further Biden administration efforts to limit emissions face opposition in the courts.