Be air aware this Fourth of July

If your Fourth of July celebration includes fireworks, consider skipping your own display in favor of a community event to reduce air pollution and ensure a safer holiday.

Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that fireworks release pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems.

“Pollutants from fireworks can significantly impair air quality long after the colorful displays have ended,” said Doug Norsby, senior environmental planner for MARC's Air Quality Program. “Fireworks have become an iconic part of Fourth of July celebrations and the freedoms the holiday represents, but we also know fireworks can potentially harm us, our loved ones, friends and neighbors who have breathing and heart problems."

Any community can experience the lingering effects of fireworks smoke, and people who have severe health problems may want to stay inside to reduce personal exposure. However, Norsby said there are things everyone can do to have a safe and healthy Fourth of July celebration and be environmentally friendly:

• Watch a community fireworks show. Many cities and counties host fireworks shows for everyone to enjoy. These spectacular displays feature powerful fireworks available to licensed, professional operators and performances are designed with the enjoyment of large groups of people in mind.
• Consider alternatives to fireworks. Popular Science offers a few suggestions, ranging from choreographed light displays, such as drone and laser shows, to party poppers, bubbles and biodegradable confetti canons, which are environmentally friendly and safer.
• Consider hosting a block party. If your community allows fireworks, safely shoot off fireworks with your neighbors instead of individually. By celebrating together, you and your community can reduce the number of individual fireworks displays.
• Grill with a charcoal chimney. When you fire up the charcoal grill, consider using a charcoal chimney to light the coals instead of lighter fluid. A charcoal chimney will produce fewer harmful pollutants than petroleum-based lighter fluids and won’t alter the flavor of your food.
• Try a charcoal alternative. Other grills, such as propane, natural gas, or electric, can cook food much faster. Gas or electric grills light more quickly, clean easier and, most notably, are better for the air.
• Delay grilling on Ozone Action Alert days. An Ozone Action Alert means an unhealthy concentration of ground-level ozone is predicted in our area, which can be harmful for your health. It can cause tightness in your chest, coughing and difficulty breathing. Waiting to grill until the SkyCast is green can reduce the harmful air pollutants that form ozone on hot, still days. Check the SkyCast before you grill to see if there is an Ozone Action Alert.
• Stroll over to the community parade. For many of us, the Independence Day parade is a highlight of the holiday. Everyone enjoys a good parade complete with small treats and prizes, and civic groups turn out to offer an exciting, visual way to celebrate local history. Try walking or biking to the parade route instead of driving — you’ll avoid traffic and parking hassles while you help reduce emissions.