D.C. Fireworks Sent PM2.5 Above 6 Times Normal After 850,000-Pyrotechnic Show
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
D.C. Fireworks Sent PM2.5 Above 6 Times Normal After 850,000-Pyrotechnic Show
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
Summary
Fine-particle pollution in Washington peaked at more than six times normal levels early Sunday, with unhealthy air lingering for about five hours after the Freedom 250 fireworks ended.
Clarity Movement said data from 26 city-run sensors showed pollution rising Saturday evening from private fireworks, then spiking around midnight when the 40-minute official display began.
Two monitors near the National Mall hit “very unhealthy” levels, and all but one sensor crossed the EPA threshold for air considered unhealthy for everyone.
President Trump had billed the event marking 250 years of American independence as “the largest fireworks show in history,” involving about 850,000 pyrotechnics.