Air quality board warns of unhealthy air due to fireworks on Fourth of July

The Griffith Observatory stands (R) in front of downtown Los Angeles on July 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Air quality was predicted to reach the 'unhealthy' range in the Los Angeles metropolitan area today by the South Coast Air Quality Management District following last night's fireworks. Fireworks are often launched illegally in Los Angeles. July 4th and July 5th are normally some of the worst days of the year for air quality as fireworks launch fine-particle pollution into the air. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The Griffith Observatory stands (R) in front of downtown Los Angeles on July 5, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Air quality was predicted to reach the 'unhealthy' range in the Los Angeles metropolitan area today by the South Coast Air Quality Management District following last night's fireworks. Fireworks are often launched illegally in Los Angeles. July 4th and July 5th are normally some of the worst days of the year for air quality as fireworks launch fine-particle pollution into the air. The AQMD issued a warning for poor air quality again this year. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - With fireworks expected to fill the air with smoke in many part of the region for the Fourth of July, local air regulators warned today of potentially poor air quality that could have negative health effects.

A "particulate advisory" will be in effect Sunday through Monday afternoon due to the anticipate levels of particulate matter in the air, along with metal air pollutants, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The advisory will affect the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella Valley.

According to the AQMD, the air quality index could reach the "very unhealthy" level.

"The use of personal `backyard' fireworks also contributes to this air pollution and can further increase how much air pollution a person is breathing," according to the AQMD. "In addition, personal `backyard' fireworks may create even higher levels of fine particulate matter locally that are far higher than regional particulate levels."

Regulators said levels of particulate matter in the air on July 4-5 are traditionally among the worst of the year.

"Breathing fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung diseases," according to the AQMD.