Air Quality Forecast In RSM: What To Know On July 4

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Glittering firework displays are synonymous with the celebration of American Independence Day, but health officials warned Rancho Santa Margarita residents about the hazardous air quality fireworks bring annually.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, particle pollution peaks on July 4 and 5 every year, leading to a wide variety of negative health effects that could lead to heart or lung disease.

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“With so many fireworks going off at once, July 4 and 5 consistently have some of the worst air quality of the year in the South Coast Air Basin,” the AQMD said.

According to an Air Quality Forecast issued by the AQMD, north Orange County residents living on the coast can expect "good" air quality Monday and "moderate" air quality Tuesday. South Orange County residents living on the coast can expect "good" air quality Monday and Tuesday.

Saddleback Valley residents are likely to experience "moderate" air quality Monday and Tuesday, according to the AQMD. Capistrano Valley residents will likely experience "good" air quality for the holiday.

Central Orange County residents will experience "moderate" air quality Monday, and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" Tuesday.

In anticipation of the many fireworks displays across the Southland, the AQMD issued an air quality alert for ozone air pollution from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Fireworks emit large amounts of particulate matter that if breathed in can lead to negative health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Pollution from fireworks is also known to contain high levels of several toxic metals, the AQMD said. Even smaller backyard fireworks can lead to wildfires and health concerns according to health officials.

On July 4 in 2022 the air quality reached unhealthy to hazardous levels in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties according to the AQMD.

The National Weather Service said pregnant women, children and seniors should limit outdoor activities. To help keep indoor air clean, the NWS suggested residents:

• Close windows, run air purifiers and avoid using devices that bring in outdoor air inside;
• Avoid burning wood in fireplaces and firepits and minimize indoor sources of air pollution such as lighting candles, grilling and pan-frying;
• Limit the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment.