Officials from the Central Valley's air district are urging residents to refrain from using fireworks on Friday, due to the continuing threat of unhealthy air quality in the region related to several wildfires throughout the state.

The request by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is voluntary, as no cities in the Central Valley have voted to prohibit sales of safe and sane fireworks for personal use. Many nonprofit groups and organizations sell fireworks for fundraising purposes.

"On a typical year, fireworks account for localized air pollution on July 4. But this year, we have serious air-quality issues because of statewide wildfires, which fireworks will only worsen," said Seyed Sadredin, the air district's executive director and air pollution control officer.

"We are asking Valley residents to please consider your health and that of your neighbors, and to not opt to light fireworks this year."

Fireworks produce particulate matter -- tiny particles of soot, ash, droplets of liquid and other material. PM10, particles 10 microns and smaller, can be harmful to people with respiratory conditions, and older adults and children are also more susceptible to the high particle levels.

Also smaller particles, 2.5 microns and less, can invade the bloodstream and have serious consequences for people with heart or lung conditions, SJVAPCD reported. High levels of PM and ozone have been in the Valley's atmosphere as a result of the state's ongoing wildfires, and led last week to an air advisory alert.

(July 3, 2008)