PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
First Alert Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin said the Valley\u2019s geography plays a direct role in how smoke accumulates.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause we live in the valley, we basically live in a bowl, surrounded by mountains,\u201d McLaughlin said.<\/p>\n
McLaughlin expects air quality to be at its worst overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat smoke and particulate matter hug the ground \u2014 especially in the morning hours,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cAnd man, that is bad air quality.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s inside the smoke<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur lungs kind of look like trees,\u201d Patel said. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patel said that inflammation can trigger asthma attacks \u2014 and in some cases, the consequences have been severe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s actually been cases that have been reported of either death or near death \u2014 not from other types of accidents of fireworks, but from asthma attacks due to fireworks,\u201d Patel said.<\/p>\n
Who is most at risk<\/b><\/p>\n
Children with asthma are considered the most at-risk group, followed by people with asthma in general, Patel said.<\/p>\n
Phoenix resident Jessica, who has asthma, said the health concerns have changed how she thinks about the holiday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt kind of makes you think more like, what are we breathing in?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Jessica said she plans to take precautions this weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep my inhaler with me. I\u2019ll sleep with a humidifier,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Phoenix resident Linus said he also plans to reduce his time outdoors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll try not to go outside too much so I don\u2019t feel extra horrible from too much exposure to the poor air quality,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
What doctors recommend<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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