July 4 fireworks on Mall likely to cause hazardous pollution, Parks Service warns: report

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July 4 fireworks in Washington, D.C. may cause hazardous levels of pollution around the National Mall, according to a report.

More than 850,000 pyrotechnic effects are set to be launched from areas surrounding the Mall, West Potomac Park and the Potomac River throughout the display, Freedom 250 says, to mark 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

However, internal National Park Service documents obtained by The Washington Post suggest particles from firework combustion could create “very unhealthy” conditions in central D.C this weekend.

A huge firework display is due to light up the Mall, but experts have warned of potential health risks (Reuters)

The health warning is another potential blow to President Trump’s planned celebrations, following the appearance of algae-blooms and peeling paint in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The commander-in-chief was also reportedly “livid” at the crowd size at his kick off event for the Great American State Fair.

Large firework displays can create fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 which is able to penetrate the lungs. Breathing unhealthy levels can increase the risk of heart disease, asthma and low birth weight, according to the New York State Department of Health.

According The Post, a draft air-quality analysis based on National Park Service modeling suggests “avoiding prolonged exposure” to potential pollution around the Mall.

Visitors to Downtown D.C., Arlington and the Capitol Hill area should “expect irritation symptoms”, the document says, with elevated pollution levels for an estimated three to six hours after the show.

Donald Trump said that a 'spectacular TRUMP RALLY' will be held before the firework display — Donald Trump said that a ‘spectacular TRUMP RALLY’ will be held before the firework display (AP)

The Independent has contacted the National Park Service and the Interior Department for comment.

This is not the first time experts have warned about the health and environmental impact of large fireworks displays.

The Independent has previously reported on multiple studies urging caution for events like July 4 and New Year’s Eve, when huge crowds gather to see often long-lasting shows.

The American Lung Association draws attention to a 2015 study published in Atmospheric Environment that found air pollution levels increased by an average of 42% on the Fourth of July.

Fireworks explode in the air over the National Mall at the conclusion of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June (Getty)

“Exposure to air pollution has been shown to increase cases of chronic cough and other lung diseases,” the ALA warns. “If you have asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pollution caused by firework smoke can exacerbate symptoms and cause flareups.

“The tiny particles in firework smoke, known as particulate matter (PM), are harmful. Breathing them in can make you cough, irritate your lungs, and trigger asthma attacks.”

The 250th anniversary firework show in D.C. is set to start nearly two hours later than usual, after President Donald Trump said the “most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all” will be held beforehand.

Trump added that he will be delivering keynote remarks that “you will not want to miss.”