Fireworks celebrations on July 4th are expected to significantly degrade air quality across Southern California, with hazardous pollution levels anticipated from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District warns that central and southern Los Angeles County, northern Orange County, and Riverside/San Bernardino counties will face unhealthy air conditions due to particulate matter and toxic gases from fireworks.

Health risks include respiratory issues, asthma exacerbations, and cardiovascular events, with the American Lung Association noting that home-based pyrotechnics pose greater risks due to proximity to ground-level pollutants.

Public health officials recommend avoiding strenuous activity, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers instead of whole-house fans or swamp coolers.

The pollution surge comes amid a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that added to regional soot levels, making this year's Fourth of July celebrations particularly concerning.Authorities are also deploying police drones to monitor illegal fireworks, which contribute to both air quality issues and public safety risks.