Fireworks Use Can Lead to Unhealthy Air Quality

Valley Air District officials are reminding residents that personal fireworks release high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), including smoke, soot, ash, and metals that can negatively impact air quality and public health. Exposure to these pollutants can be especially harmful for children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Beyond air quality concerns, fireworks can also lead to injuries, fires, excessive noise, and stress for pets, wildlife, and local communities.<_o3a_p>

"As families gather to celebrate, we encourage Valley residents to do so responsibly and consider the impacts personal fireworks can have on air quality and public health," said Jaime Holt, Valley Air District Chief Communications Officer. "Fireworks activity can lead to significant increases in particle pollution, affecting air quality throughout the Valley and making it difficult for some residents to breathe."<_o3a_p>

As communities across the San Joaquin Valley celebrate Independence Day, the Valley Air District encourages residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and attend one of the many public displays taking place throughout the region. Community shows provide a safer experience while helping reduce the risk of injuries, fires, and poor air quality.<_o3a_p>

On the Fourth of July each year, air monitoring stations across the Valley record sharp increases in PM2.5 pollution linked to fireworks activity, particularly during nighttime hours when personal fireworks are most heavily used. In many cases, pollution levels become unhealthy, rising four to five times higher than the federal health-based standards. Fine particulate matter from fireworks, including smoke, soot, and metals, can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular health risks. This infographic demonstrates the public health risk associated with fireworks.<_o3a_p>

Residents can use the District's Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) to track air quality at Valley locations by visiting myRAAN.com, downloading the Valley Air app or through the EPA's AirNow.gov <_o3a_p>

For more information about the Valley Air District, call a regional office in Fresno (559) 230-6000, Modesto (209) 557-6400 or Bakersfield (661) 392-5500.<_o3a_p>

PM 2.5 pattern on July 4, 2025<_o3a_p>

This graph illustrates a spike in particulate levels on July 4, 2025 in the City of Bakersfield.<_o3a_p>

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The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern. For additional information about the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, visit www.valleyair.org or call 559-230-6000.