Be air aware this Fourth of July

The air we share is a group project. This Fourth of July, small choices — like attending a community fireworks show, reducing backyard fireworks and checking the SkyCast before grilling — can help the Kansas City region breathe a little easier. 

Although MARC has not issued an ozone action alert or high particulate matter alert for the Kansas City region this season, this week could change that. Pollution from fireworks could push the region to high yellow (moderate) or unhealthy (orange, red and even higher) levels of particulate matter.

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. 

“Smoke from fireworks contains coarse and fine particles,” said Doug Norsby, MARC air quality senior planner. “In addition to the metallic salts, nitrogen and sulfur used to create color, fireworks can produce compounds that irritate the lungs. Most smoke typically dissipates in a few hours, but people, even healthy adults, may find themselves wheezing. Those with heart, lung or chronic diseases may have more severe reactions and may feel lingering health effects for days after the holiday. With assistance from state agencies, MARC will monitor spikes in fine particle concentrations during and after fireworks displays and let residents know when pollution levels become hazardous to people’s health.”

Fireworks smoke can be especially noticeable when weather conditions keep pollutants close to the ground.

“Pollutants from fireworks can significantly impair air quality long after the colorful displays have ended, especially when temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground,” Norsby added. “Fireworks have become an iconic part of Fourth of July celebrations and the freedoms that it represents, but we also know they can potentially harm us, our loved ones, friends, pets 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:

• 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.