Alrighty, this is actually new and different to me, at least. Trump wants to set a new record with his Trump Rally fireworks. We can’t call it America’s Birthday anymore, not really. Well, looking at all the pretty explosions is all well and good, but there’s something that hasn’t been taken into account, and that is what’s left over after the pretty explosions. There’s a whole bunch of nasty stuff that’s going to hang around in the air, which could, and probably will, cause breathing issues. My regards to Raw Story:
Trump’s plans for a massive fireworks display on July 4 triggered an emergency air pollution warning, according to a new report. According to MeidasTouch News, an emergency warning went out across Northern Virginia alerting the public about health impacts from Trump’s upcoming fireworks show for the 250th anniversary of the United States. An estimated 880,000 fireworks shells are expected to be launched in the air in Washington, D.C., MeidasTouch reported, comparing that to the 20,000 shells normally used for Independence Day celebrations in the nation’s capital. Trump is reportedly trying to break a Guinness World Record with the display.
We could say that so much is excessive, except it isn’t for Trump. We could say that’s going to be very expensive, and of course, we are paying for it. We can definitely say that there are going to be problems if air currents aren’t moving. With this heat dome in place, it could hang in the air for literally days. And we need to hope the folks setting these off are going to be wearing goggles and masks. They may set it up to be at least partially run by computer, but there are still going to be experts there.
The huge scale of fireworks is expected to let off large amounts of smoke, particulate matter, and heavy metal pollutants, according to MeidasTouch. “Officials are reportedly concerned about exposure to both heavy metal particulate matter released by fireworks and carbon-based smoke particles,” MeidasTouch noted. The Northern Virginia emergency bulletin warned that the air pollution would create “unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung disease,” MeidasTouch wrote. It also cited data showing significant increases in cardiovascular and respiratory emergency cases following this kind of event.
Yep. Something this big (and ridiculous) is going to throw all sorts of stuff into the air. If you have been around fireworks at all, you can remember the smoke left behind, whether it’s a big show or going out in the parking lot with a couple of Roman candles, my personal favorite. Think about the sky lighting up after one big blossom, and it highlights the smoke hanging in the air. So yes, this overkill of a show is going to leave things hanging for a while.
MeidasTouch wrote, “Healthcare facilities are reportedly being advised to prepare for elevated cardiopulmonary patient volumes during the two weeks following the celebration.” The bulletin’s warning is based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s own air quality index (AQI), which is on a 0-500 scale. According to MeidasTouch, the air pollution close to the center of the fireworks smoke is projected to go above 500 AQI. Workers near the National Mall are being advised to wear N95 respirator masks, according to MeidasTouch. The smoke from the fireworks is expected to move eastward and “remain trapped” at low altitudes instead of rising and dispersing, MeidasTouch added.
Well, let’s hope everyone safely enjoys the show and takes precautions. Trump’s ego doesn’t care about other people and their breathing. Wonder where they’re setting them off. That’s going to be one heck of a setup, too. That number is hard to imagine because of the scale. Usually about 20k, but Trump Rally 880k. My goodness. Nope, can’t parse it.
See you soon!
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