What pollutants do fireworks release?

The ingredients in fireworks will differ depending on the type of fireworks, but typically they are comprised of black powder and a variety of colorants. Black powder helps the firework get into the air and explode. Black powder is a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. When fireworks are let off, they release some air pollutants. The colorants and explosives in the fireworks are the cause of this pollution. There are two main pollutants released when fireworks are let off: particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs):

PM10: particles ranging from 2.5–10 microns in diameter. Examples include dust, mold, and pollen.

PM2.5: fine particles ranging from 0.3–2.5 microns in diameter. Typically created fuel burning or factory emissions.

Ultrafine PM (UFPs): tiny particles smaller than 0.3 microns in diameter.

Airborne vapor or gaseous compounds (VOCs) that are produced by chemical reactions in combustion, manufacturing, or industrial processes.

Fireworks can release pollutants not only from the colorants and explosives they contain, but also from the metals and fuses that make up their structure. PM pollutant concentrations can be much higher than normal in the hours right after fireworks are used.

How is air quality measured?

EGLE measures a variety of air pollutants around the State of Michigan. Many of the monitoring sites measure particulate matter in real time and post the data to EGLE’s MiAir app and EPA’s AirNow website. The data is communicated to the public using the EPA’s Air Quality Index or AQI.