Health department issues air quality advisory in Lincoln for July Fourth

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Monday announced a health advisory for the upcoming holiday.

The advisory comes with anticipation of high levels of smoke from Fourth of July fireworks.

Officials said in a press release that Lincoln’s Air Quality Index often reaches peak levels that are unhealthy for everyone.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for a slight chance of rain with 5 to 10 mph wind gusts on both Wednesday and Thursday nights.

“Low wind speeds may allow higher concentrations of smoke to linger in the area,” said Gary Bergstrom, the department’s air quality supervisor.

Bergstrom also said that breathing in smoke from fireworks can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and cause chest pain in people with heart disease.

Fireworks can be used in the city from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Fire and Smoke Map for information on current air quality conditions.