July Fourth is one of the worst days of the year for air quality in the region, said Daniel B. Curtis, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Cal State Fullerton.
Curtis and his students authored a study that details how long-term and short-term human exposure to particle concentrations from fireworks, firecrackers and sparklers increases the risk of potential health effects to people.
Their study, “The Impact of Fireworks on Selected Ambient Particulate Metal Concentrations Associated With the Independence Day Holiday,” was published in Atmosphere.
The investigation found high concentrations of barium, chromium, copper, strontium and lead from pyrotechnic displays.
“Overall, the chemical concentrations we measured were among the highest ever reported globally during firework events,” said Curtis, who studies how aerosol particles affect climate change.
Chemistry alumni Danielle Rocco ’23, Esther Morales ’23, Tyler Deflin ’25 and Jason Truong ’22 are co-authors on the publication with Curtis.
On July 4, CSUF chemistry researchers will use air sensors atop campus buildings to collect particle samples that fall from the sky during fireworks events. They will study the collected data as they have from collections taken annually since 2020.
The researchers are finalizing their latest data for a new publication.
Chemistry graduate student Zeinab Khalil, who plans to complete the degree program next year, is continuing work on the fireworks research by analyzing particle samples collected in 2024 and 2025.
“If we can better understand how particles affect people, we can potentially help scientists discover ways to decrease the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere,” she said.