It's that Fireworks Feeling!
Summertime isn't complete without the glitz and thrill of fireworks, but their magnificence can also produce a hazardous cloud of smoke. For many people, the dazzling lights of fireworks vanish as swiftly as they appeared. However, the explosions are much more than just a flash. They leave something a little more difficult to see in the dark smoke. That's the slight burning odor you could sense when you or your neighbors set off fireworks, or the haze you might see at a city display.
According to recent studies, the smoke from fireworks might include dangerous chemicals including lead and copper. This smoke can be harmful to your health, especially if you have respiratory problems. Even while fireworks aren't commonly used year-round, the smoke they produce is much more dangerous than the everyday pollutants we face.
Depending on the types of metals used to a gunpowder base, fireworks can produce vivid, thrilling colors. Small metallic particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs are released in the smoke after the gunpowder is ignited and explodes.
According to studies of fireworks festivals around the world, levels of lead, copper, strontium, potassium, and magnesium increased after the fireworks were launched.
While no link has been established between fireworks smoke and respiratory symptoms, there is a clear link between long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and lung cancer death. People who live in cities may be more sensitive to further exposure to toxins in the air since they are already exposed to air pollution from vehicle traffic and manufacturing. Avoiding inhaling fireworks smoke is the greatest way to avoid any potential issues.
If you are sensitive to smoke or have a respiratory ailment such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may be better to enjoy fireworks in a safe and smoke-free environment, such as inside a structure. Keep an eye on the wind direction so you can avoid the smoke cloud as it moves away from the fireworks. Stay inside and keep your windows closed if you're in the direction of the fireworks smoke.
Summer Food Safety Tips!
Summer in western New York is full of sunshine, fun, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family. While this brings opportunities to gather outdoors, and soak up the vitamin D, it also brings warmer temperatures making food more prone to spoilage. Did you know that food poisoning cases increase during the summer? This is because bacteria grow faster during warm, humid months. These tips can keep you and your loved ones safe from food borne illness during summer.
Groceries
When grocery shopping be sure to get your groceries put away within 2 hours and one hour if temperatures are 90°F or above.
Clean
Make sure to wash hands for 20 seconds under running water when preparing and before eating food. If there is no water available, be sure to bring wet wipes with you, or water, and hand sanitizer. Remember to keep surfaces clean as well, you can use tablecloths, or wipe with wet cloths as well.
Grilling
Keep any marinades / sauces that have touched raw meat away from your cooked food, and any ready to eat food. Always pack and store raw food separate from ready to eat food. Use clean utensils and plates when removing cooked food from the grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure food has cooked to appropriate temperatures.
Outdoor Gatherings
Keep food in coolers with ice and ice packs until ready for serving, or cooking. Once food it out of the cooler, any food that has been out for two hours or longer is in the DANGER ZONE. This means bacteria has had plenty of time to multiply and may be at levels that can cause food born illness. If temperatures are 90°F or above, food left out for one hour may be in the danger zone. Do not allow your food to get in the danger zone, otherwise it is no longer safe to eat without risk of illness.
Outdoor Concerts / Festivals / Fairs
Wash your hands before eating food with soap and water if possible. Bring antibacterial hand sanitizer if there is no access to water.
