Fourth of July fireworks impact air quality in some Pennsylvania regions [Video]

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Air quality is a growing concern across Pennsylvania after smoke from Canadian wildfires caused code red alerts in June. Now, there is also concern that 4th of July fireworks celebrations could be adding to the mix.

The Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Maryland regions declared code orange air quality alerts Wednesday morning in part due to increased particulate matter from Fourth of July fireworks displays.

“The particle pollution that is produced by the fireworks is added to the particles that are already in the air and that’s just taking [the situation] from bad to worse,” said Katherine Pruitt, national senior director for policy health education with the American Lung Association. 

Medical experts say the increased levels can cause additional health risks.

“If you are breathing in additional particulate matter and especially …