July Fourth fireworks may bring 'hazardous' air quality to Southern California. What you need to know

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Set us as preferred L.A.’s love of fireworks makes for a colorful Fourth of July, with dozens of official celebrations and countless illicit explosions expected for the holiday.But as each sparkler, Roman candle, palm and peony dissipates, it leaves behind a cloud of noxious gases, soot and finely ground toxic metals — some of which ends up in the lungs of revelers and passersby below.Hazardous levels of air pollution are expected across central and southern Los Angeles County, northern Orange County, and Riverside and San Bernardino counties from 5 p.m.Saturday evening through 3 p.m.

Sunday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.Unhealthy air quality is also expected in northern Los Angeles County and southern Orange County.

California Police officials in cities across California are using drones to cite people who use illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend.Pollution levels are expected to build from dusk onward Saturday, as light winds and increased firework activity lead to an increase in smoke, a South Coast AQMD advisory said.Soot and particulates will likely linger through Sunday afternoon before being dispersed by the wind.Firework-related pollution can trigger coughs, breathing problems, asthma flares and heart attacks, according to Los Angeles County Public Health, and anyone experiencing severe or worsening cardiovascular symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.Pyrotechnics set off at home are even more likely to trigger cardiovascular problems, the American Lung Assn.

says, as the burst of pollutants takes place closer to the ground.California Driven by litigation from environmental advocates and opposition from the state Coastal Commission, Fourth of July fireworks shows in California are disappearing and being replaced by d...