This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Fireworks don't just fill the skies with color. They also make the air smoky and polluted, says the state Division of Air Quality as Independence Day approaches.
In past years, fireworks have pumped fine-particle pollution in the air and created unhealthy spikes in air pollution that make breathing difficult for some. Last year on the Fourth of July, several air monitors recorded pollution levels above the health standard for PM 2.5.
"Those most impacted by the unhealthy air pollution are young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with respiratory problems," said air-quality director Cheryl Heying.
Already, smoke from the wildfires in northern California is drifting into the state. That also is increasing air pollution, she said.
More information is available at www. airquality. utah.gov/fireworks.htm.
- Judy Fahys
