WASHINGTON 鈥� Although fireworks are a Fourth of July favorite, a nationwide study finds they also pollute the air and could cause breathing problems for some Americans.
The ,聽published in the Atmospheric Environment journal, measured the effects of fireworks on air quality.
For years, the scientists observed sites across the United States on July 4 and 5, to determine hourly concentrations of fine.
鈥淭hese results will help improve air quality predictions, which currently don鈥檛 account for fireworks as a source of air pollution,鈥� says Dian Seidel, author of the study and a scientist at the NOAA.
Short and long-term exposure to air pollutants from fireworks can lead to numerous health issues including:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma
- Heart attack
- Stroke
The encourages those who are sensitive to particle pollution to watch the fireworks from a distance.
鈥淲e chose the holiday, not to put a damper on celebrations of America鈥檚 independence, but because it is the best way to do a nationwide study of the effects of fireworks on air quality,鈥� Seidel says.
