PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Fireworks displays are expected to create poor air quality conditions across the Phoenix metro area this Fourth of July weekend, with doctors warning that people with asthma and other respiratory conditions face the greatest risk.
First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin said the Valley’s geography plays a direct role in how smoke accumulates.
“Because we live in the valley, we basically live in a bowl, surrounded by mountains,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin expects air quality to be at its worst overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.
“That smoke and particulate matter hug the ground — especially in the morning hours,” McLaughlin said. “And man, that is bad air quality.”
What’s inside the smoke
Fireworks smoke contains tiny particles of metals and heavy chemicals that can travel deep into the lungs, according to allergist and immunologist Dr. Jay Patel.
“Our lungs kind of look like trees,” Patel said. “They can get deep, deep down in our bronchioles. Once that happens, those little particles set off a high amount of inflammation that goes on in the lungs.”
Patel said that inflammation can trigger asthma attacks — and in some cases, the consequences have been severe.
“There’s actually been cases that have been reported of either death or near death — not from other types of accidents of fireworks, but from asthma attacks due to fireworks,” Patel said.
Who is most at risk
Children with asthma are considered the most at-risk group, followed by people with asthma in general, Patel said.
Phoenix resident Jessica, who has asthma, said the health concerns have changed how she thinks about the holiday.
“It kind of makes you think more like, what are we breathing in?” she said.
Jessica said she plans to take precautions this weekend.
“I keep my inhaler with me. I’ll sleep with a humidifier,” she said.
Phoenix resident Linus said he also plans to reduce his time outdoors.
“I’ll try not to go outside too much so I don’t feel extra horrible from too much exposure to the poor air quality,” he said.
What doctors recommend
Patel recommends keeping a rescue inhaler on hand and limiting time outside this weekend. He also advises viewing fireworks from a distance rather than up close.
Parents should watch children closely for early warning signs of an asthma attack, including wheezing, coughing, or difficulty taking a full breath. Children who appear to be breathing fast or struggling to breathe deeply may need medical attention, Patel said.
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