Summertime Air Pollution Measurements from Temporary Events—Fireworks and Festival Cooking

Air pollution during mass-gathering events such as festivals and firework shows is a growing concern globally. Fireworks at festivals on average almost double the observed particulate pollution levels, while food trucks and associated diesel generators are known to result in very local air pollution hotspots that are an emerging important area of research regarding sources of urban volatile organic compounds. This study adds to the scientific body of evidence of the impact of festival fireworks and cooking pollution in the USA by quantifying the impact of fireworks and cooking emissions during short summer festivals in June and July 2023 in Utah’s Salt Lake Valley using paired PM2.5, ozone, and BC sensors located at two distances nearby to the sources. Both fireworks and cooking increased PM2.5 and BC during the evening dinner and firework displays, while evening ozone was observed to drop during fireworks. The ozone concentration reductions during fireworks displays are likely associated with NOx titration due to fireworks and cooking emissions. Regulating fireworks and cooking emissions during annual festivals has resulted in significant reductions in PM2.5 pollution and corresponding benefits to human health. These findings can support policy decisions to reduce exposure to emissions locally.