Extended Poor Air Quality in D.C. After July Fourth Fireworks

The level of fine particulate matter in Washington, D.C., rose significantly during the recent Independence Day celebrations. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these levels reached heights commonly observed in past festivities and persisted well into Sunday morning.

A photograph captured by Eric Lee of Reuters shows smoke enveloping the fireworks as rain fell on the July Fourth holiday in Washington. This view from Arlington, Virginia, highlights the intensity of the air quality situation during the celebration.

The air quality in the nation’s capital remained unhealthy for over 10 hours following a 40-minute fireworks display at the National Mall. This information comes from AirNow, an EPA-maintained website that provides air quality data collected from physical sensors.