Fireworks are a tradition around the Fourth of July. The night sky fills with color as numerous fireworks displays go off to celebrate Independence Day.
Unfortunately, those pyrotechnics make the air quality in California's Central Valley dangerous to breathe.
Air quality monitoring sites often spike between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., showing four to five times higher particulate matter (smoke) concentration. That smoke contains soot, ash and metals.
This poor air is especially hazardous to anyone at risk like small children, the elderly and people who already have breathing problems.
The San Joaquin Valley Air District suggests supporting local professional Independence Day celebrations to avoid the harmful effects from the use of personal fireworks.
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