Air Quality Smoke Advisory Issued for 4th of July Fireworks
Advisory in effect July 3 to 5.
Celebratory fireworks are expected to light up the skies over the Vegas Valley throughout the 4th of July weekend. Because fireworks also may result in elevated levels of lingering smoke in the air, Clark County’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is issuing a smoke advisory from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. DAQ officials insist the advisory is cautionary and not intended to dampen people’s spirits.
“It’s not every day we get to celebrate the semiquincentennial of our nation’s independence, so we expect plenty of fireworks to light up the sky,” said DAQ forecaster Paul Fransioli. “But fireworks can also create elevated levels of particulate matter pollution. People with asthma, COPD or other breathing issues may want to take precautions, especially if they’re near areas where fireworks are being discharged.”
Smoke is made of small dust particulates and other pollutants that can aggravate respiratory diseases and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. These pollutants can also aggravate respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma or heart disease. Consult your physician if you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to air quality conditions. Under moderate or worse air quality conditions, it may be best for children, older adults and people with respiratory and heart disease to stay indoors.
HELPFUL TIPS TO LIMIT PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO SMOKE
- Stay indoors when you see or smell smoke.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Limit outdoor exertion on days with high levels of fine particles in the air. Exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you are likely to inhale.
- Consider changing your indoor air filters if they are dirty.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH AIR QUALITY INFORMATION
The Department of Environment and Sustainability monitors air pollution through a network of monitoring sites throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Data is collected from these sites and reported at our monitoring website: DESAQMonitoring.ClarkCountyNV.gov. People can stay informed through a couple channels:
- Daily Air Quality Forecast Website: DESAQMonitoring.ClarkCountyNV.gov.
- Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClarkCountyDES; Twitter/X: @ClarkCountyDES and Instagram: @clarkcountydes.
- Daily Text/Email Alerts: www.enviroflash.org.
- AIRNow Mobile App: https://www.airnow.gov/airnow-mobile-app/.
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