Health Department Issues Air Quality Advisory for Fireworks Smoke
Published on July 01, 2024
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today issued a health advisory due to anticipated high levels of smoke from fireworks.
Fireworks may be used in the City of Lincoln from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3, and from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4. The LLCHD Air Quality Program typically observes periodic high levels of particulate air pollution from the evening of July 3 through the morning of July 5. During this time period, Lincoln’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaches peak levels that are unhealthy for everyone, but are especially unhealthy for children, older adults, and people with asthma, lung disease and other respiratory or heart conditions.
“The current National Weather Service forecast calls for a slight chance of rain with 5 to 10 mph winds both Wednesday and Thursday evenings between 8 p.m. and midnight. Low wind speeds may allow higher concentrations of smoke to linger in the area,” said Gary Bergstrom, Air Quality Section Supervisor with LLCHD. “Breathing smoke from fireworks can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause chest pain in some people with heart disease.”
When the AQI is in the orange category, that means the air quality is unhealthy for people with higher sensitivity to air pollution.
Those at risk should reduce strenuous physical activity when outdoors, take plenty of breaks and watch for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms should contact a medical care provider. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and have quick relief medicine readily available.
When the AQI is in the red category or worse, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone, and all residents should follow the guidance provided above.
Those at risk can further protect their health when air quality is poor by staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, using a HEPA filter, and using the recirculate setting when using a vehicle’s heater or air conditioner.
Residents are encouraged to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) for information on current air quality conditions. The EPA also provides the AirNow and SmokeSense smart phone applications to help people stay informed of the AQI in their area.