The Bay Area Air District has issued a statement requesting residents to refrain from using fireworks and firecrackers and engaging in wood-burning activities during the Lunar New Year holidays. The objective is to prevent air quality from declining to unsafe levels. According to the Bay Area Air District's recent release, although the air quality is expected to remain moderate, the tradition of setting off neighborhood fireworks can cause significant pollution spikes in certain areas. This is particularly concerning given the forecasted high-pressure system, which may cause an inversion layer that traps pollutants near the ground.
Wood smoke is identified by the Air District as a primary source of pollutants during the winter months, causing concern for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The statement highlights the presence of harmful substances in wood smoke, including carcinogenic substances such as particulate matter, benzene, and formaldehyde. While there's no Spare the Air Alert in effect and no bans, the public is strongly discouraged from burning wood and setting off fireworks, given their potential to trigger asthma attacks, coughing, and wheezing.
In a social media post shared the same day, the Bay Area Air Quality echoed this sentiment with a direct plea to the public. "Skip the fireworks, firecrackers & wood fire this #LunarNewYear to keep air quality from becoming unhealthy," the post said.
Skip the fireworks, firecrackers & wood fire this #LunarNewYear to keep air quality from becoming unhealthy. An inversion layer is expected to keep pollution near the ground & neighborhood fireworks can significantly impact localized areas. Celebrate the Year of the Snake safely! pic.twitter.com/oj9UhI3804
— Bay Area Air Quality (@AirDistrict) January 28, 2025
