Sidewalk fireworks not a healthy way to celebrate

On the Fourth of July, one of the pleasures is watching as flashes of color light up neighborhoods in the central San Joaquin Valley, but lingering dark plumes of soot, ash and metals from the sidewalk fireworks concern air district and health officials.

Each July 4, fireworks increase levels of dangerous particulate pollution and pose a health threat not only to people who are setting off the fireworks but also their neighbors, the officials say.

Levels of the tiny particulates can be four to five times higher than limits set by health-based federal standards. And the celebratory fireworks add to already smoggy skies. The Valley suffers each summer with high ozone pollution.

The microscopic pieces of pollution from fireworks are similar to the specks of ash and soot spewed each winter from fireplaces, and are so small they can be inhaled and invade the bloodstream, said Heather Heinks, outreach and communications manager at the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The particles, called PM 2.5, have been linked to heart attacks and stroke, not to mention irritation to lungs, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory problems.

Air district officials are encouraging elderly residents, young children and anyone who already deals with asthma or any respiratory illness to recognize they should avoid engaging in fireworks.

“We urge Valley residents to exhibit their patriotism by attending a professional Independence Day event in their area instead of using personal fireworks,” said Seyed Sadredin, the district’s executive director and air pollution control officer.

“Each year, people suffer serious health consequences from direct exposure in their neighborhoods where they live and breathe,” Sadredin said, and the health risks are “from fireworks activities that are entirely preventable.”

Dr. John Gasman, a pulmonologist at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center-Fresno, said doctors deal with the aftermath of July 4 fireworks. “We see people who complain of more respiratory problems like when there are forest fires.”

Anyone with lung conditions, such as asthma, should be careful going out into the street when fireworks are being lighted, Gasman said.

The doctor’s advice: Stay indoors with air conditioning. “Or I suppose you could be out there with a mask.”

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 4:51 PM with the headline "Sidewalk fireworks not a healthy way to celebrate."