Air Quality Advisory Issued for Southern California Fireworks

Residents in affected areas face potential health risks from hazardous air quality levels, requiring them to adjust outdoor plans and indoor ventilation practices between Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

• •The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an air pollution advisory for the Fourth of July weekend.
• •Hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are expected in southern Los Angeles County and northern Orange County.
• •The advisory period runs from Saturday evening through early Sunday afternoon.
• •Fireworks release fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and toxic metals into the air.
• •July 4 and July 5 are typically the days with the highest particle pollution levels of the year in the South Coast Air Basin.
• •Visibility may be reduced Saturday night due to a combination of fireworks smoke and high humidity.
• •Unhealthy air quality levels are expected in other parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire.
• •Pollution levels are expected to decrease Sunday as winds disperse smoke, though inland areas will remain elevated longer.
• •Health risks include aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, coughing, difficulty breathing, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
• •Officials recommend staying indoors with windows and doors closed to limit exposure.
• •Officials advise against using swamp coolers and whole-house fans that draw outside air indoors.