Washington's air turns world's worst after July 4 fireworks extravaganza

WASHINGTON: A massive July 4th fireworks display left Washington, DC, briefly recording the worst air quality among major cities worldwide on Sunday, according to global air quality monitoring platform IQAir. The massive 40-minute fireworks display was held as part of America's 250th Independence Day celebrations.The US capital dropped to 26th place on IQAir's global air quality rankings by Sunday evening as pollution levels gradually improved.Code Red air quality alert issuedAs the city officials declared a 'Code Red' air quality alert, authorities urged residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and warned that the air was "unhealthy for seniors, children and people with medical conditions," adding that even healthy individuals could experience adverse health effects due to elevated pollution levels.Ahead of the celebrations, Kisha Davis warned that the combination of extreme heat and fireworks-related pollution could pose serious health risks. "The air quality today is like running a marathon while smoking a cigarette," she told CNN, adding that the fireworks would further worsen pollution.Hundreds needed medical assistanceEmergency responders treated hundreds of people during the Independence Day celebrations.The DC Fire and EMS Department reported 96 patient contacts and 40 hospital transports, while George Washington University Hospital recorded 289 patient contacts. The US Department of Health and Human Services also reported 314 patient contacts, although authorities have not confirmed how many cases were linked to the heat or poor air quality.The fireworks display, organised by Freedom 250, featured around 850,000 fireworks launched from 10 locations across the National Mall, Potomac River barges and West Potomac Park. The event was expected to challenge the Guinness World Records mark for the world's largest fireworks display, although no official confirmation had been issued by Sunday.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.