SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PARTICULATE ADVISORY – Fireworks

Valid: Wednesday, July 4 through Thursday, July 5, 2018

Air quality is likely to reach unhealthful levels in areas throughout the South Coast Air Basin and in the Coachella Valley at times through July 5. Emissions from fireworks are expected to contribute to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality category, or higher, during and after the evening fireworks displays related to Independence Day celebrations. The firework emissions are expected to begin in the evening of Wednesday, July 4th with particulate levels expected to remain elevated through the morning of Thursday, July 5th.

The smoke and combustion products from fireworks add to the fine particles already present in the Basin that are primarily caused by motor vehicles, as well as fugitive dust and industrial emissions. Ozone concentrations are also expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category or higher, in the afternoons and evenings through the holiday into the upcoming weekend in many inland areas.

SCAQMD Advisory updates can be found at the following link:

ftp://ftp.aqmd.gov/pub/globalist/Advisory.pdf

To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by email, go to http://AirAlerts.org

To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, see http://www3.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/home.aspx
or by phone, toll-free, at (866) 966-3293 (press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, press 2, then enter your zip code)

What to Do When Air Pollution Reaches Unhealthful Levels:

• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Air Quality Index (AQI) is 101 – 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to air pollution. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
• Unhealthy AQI is 151 – 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
• Very Unhealthy AQI is 201 – 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.