Watch out for fireworks smoke!

Yep, it's that time of year again. When they start to play the patriotic songs and all of a sudden my allergies flare up and just like that - my eyes start to run. What a coincidence! *Wink Wink *

Many people celebrate the 4th of July with parades, BBQ's, a dip in the pool, and end the night with fireworks. Our cul-de-sac has a tradition called the "Cul-de-sac of fire."  

And.......we can't go outside. 

Why?

The LA Times says:

".......U.S. government scientists found that on average, concentrations of fine-particle pollution for the 24-hour period beginning at 8 p.m. on the Fourth of July are 42% higher than on other days."

 Yikes! That's a lot of smoke to be breathing in when you have asthma. But some people may wonder, how bad can it really be? I mean, it's only once a year, right?!

"All those extra fine particles in the air concern experts and regulators because they are an especially harmful type of pollution. PM2.5 can penetrate deep in the lungs and trigger heart attacks, strokes and other adverse health effects. Most vulnerable are children, the elderly and those with existing heart and lung diseases."

How bad can it be? Years ago, Son #2 ended up in the ICU after watching the neighbor's fireworks. We already had smoke in the neighborhood from a forest fire, and neighborhood fireworks made the air even worse. If we only knew back then how dangerous it could be!

 

What a terrifying time for us!

So, do you have to skip the neighborhood fireworks?

After my son ended up in the hospital, I would only let him watch fireworks from inside the house. (Can I tell you how much he hated that?)

That was years ago, but I still watch fireworks from inside the house. 

We also make sure that we keep all the windows and doors closed up tight. 

If there is a city aerial fireworks show nearby, that might be an option. The smoke may be further away.

As always, make sure you have your rescue inhaler or nebulizer close by, just in case!

Happy 4th of July!