Monitoring air quality after Fourth of July fireworks

(American Chemical Society) The U.S. recently celebrated the Fourth of July with dazzling fireworks displays in many cities. After the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' faded, some people might have wondered how the lingering gunpowder-scented smoke affected air quality. Now researchers reporting in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry have conducted detailed measurements and found increased levels of several pollutants after an Independence Day fireworks event in Albany, New York.