Should you skip the fireworks show this year?

This year, July 4 celebrations come amidst increasing concern about air pollution. Last week, wildfires raging in Canada caused a wave of polluted air to sweep across the Midwest, with Dayton recording air quality measurements in the “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” range on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Now, the air is back at healthy levels. But will fireworks celebrations affect the air quality in southeast Ohio? 

The short answer is yes, says Joy Landry, a communications specialist for Hamilton County Environmental Services. However, the effect will be brief, dissipating just a few hours after the fireworks shows. 

“Historically, what we see when we look at our monitoring data over July 4 and July 5 is that the smoke generated by fireworks creates the same type of particle pollution as the wildfires,” says Landry. 

Both wildfires and fireworks share the same air pollutant, Particulate Matter 2.5.  

“Historically, what we see when we look at our monitoring data over July 4 and July 5 is that the smoke generated by fireworks creates the same type of particle pollution as the wildfires,” says Landry, “so our monitors may skyrocket for an hour, two hours usually around 11 p.m. or midnight, after all those 10 p.m. fireworks shows have gone off.”  

As with the poor ratings last week, the people who have the most cause to worry about PM 2.5 air pollution are underlying health concerns.  

“Just safeguard your health,” says Landry. “If you’re somebody with asthma, you’re best off trying to view those fireworks from afar.”