Fireworks on New Year’s Eve & Wood Burning. Firework displays have the potential for high concentrations of smoke, which is a component of particulate matter (PM), and can have negative health effects. Particulate matter increases around New Year’s Eve when extensive fireworks are part of large events and smaller displays taking place at neighborhood and family gatherings. The smoke from these displays generally dissipates within a few hours, but there is also the possibility of the smoke lingering for several days, and individuals may feel lingering health effects.
Burning wood during the cooler holiday season also produces fine PM both indoors and outdoors that can affect you and your neighbors. These emissions can cause wheezing, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature deaths.
You can protect yourself from PM by checking the AirNow air quality index (AQI) forecast for the day and limiting your outdoor activities if pollution levels are high. AirNow also provides an interactive Fire and Smoke Map [fire.airnow.gov] that shows fire locations and smoke plumes that may impact your health.
Learn more about fine PM pollution on the Air Central Texas website. You can also request a free PurpleAir sensor through our Be Air Smart program to track PM in real time at your location.
