<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4ZomiT_1CqPsMAb00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4ZomiT_1CqPsMAb00" width="1250" height="703" ><figcaption>(Spectrum News/Sarah Yamanaka)</figcaption></figure>OHIO — As many people prepare to go to a fireworks show across Ohio this weekend, they'll be entranced by bright colors, patterns and booms that fill the air.But what some may not think about is the smoke left over from the fireworks and how it could affect their health.Public Health - Dayton-Montgomery County is warning Ohioans about the short-term yet significant air quality effects caused by fireworks and a pollutant called PM 2.5."PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter that measures 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These particles are so small that thousands could fit on the period at the end of a sentence," the department explained.Common sources of PM 2.5 include dust, smoke and soot, and their size allows them to go deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.During and after launching fireworks, the department said PM 2.5 levels can spike dramatically. It explained that for a few hours after fireworks on July 4, concentrations of particulate matter can reach two to five times higher than the federal health-based standard. Since July 4 falls on a Saturday this year, many firework shows are occurring both Friday and Saturday, which is double the risk.“These spikes may be brief, but they are intense,” said Eileen Moran, Regional Air Pollution Agency (RAPCA) senior manager. “Breathing smoke from fireworks can irritate the lungs, trigger asthma attacks and worsen conditions like COPD. It can also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals with heart or lung conditions.”The elevated levels can remain in the local atmosphere for several hours, according to the department.However, it’s not just dust or smoke fireworks can leave behind. The colors you see are usually the result of toxic trace metals like strontium, barium and copper. When inhaled, they can cause some additional health concerns.While fireworks are a tradition for the Fourth of July, there are measures residents can take to protect themselves while enjoying the displays.<ul><li>"Check the air: Monitor real-time air quality conditions at AirNow.gov before spending time outdoors</li><li>Seal your home: Keep windows and doors closed, especially if you live near a fireworks venue</li><li>Filter your air: Use an indoor air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles</li><li>Maintain distance: When attending displays, stay as far away as possible and try to position yourself upwind of the smoke"</li></ul>Specifically, children, older adults and those with heart or lung conditions should take extra precautions, the department warned.</div></body>

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OHIO — As many people prepare to go to a fireworks show across Ohio this weekend, they'll be entranced by bright colors, patterns and booms that fill the air. But what some may not think about is the smoke left over from the fireworks and how it could affect their health.

Explaining the dangers behind firework smoke

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OHIO — As many people prepare to go to a fireworks show across Ohio this weekend, they'll be entranced by bright colors, patterns and booms that fill the a

Explaining the dangers behind firework smoke

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