Will fireworks and bonfires affect my lung condition?
Fireworks and bonfires can increase air pollution levels, especially during big celebrations like Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year and the Chinese New Year.
When fireworks explode, they release smoke and harmful pollutants into the air that can damage your lungs. These include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Breathing in smoke from bonfires can also irritate your airways.
This means that fireworks and bonfires could make your lung condition symptoms worse. They can cause an asthma attack or a flare up of your lung condition.
Find out more about air pollution and your lungs.
Check air pollution levels
The air can stay polluted for several hours or days after fireworks displays and bonfires, especially if there's no wind to blow the pollution away.
You can use an app or website like DEFRA, BBC Weather, or the Met Office to check the air quality in your local area.
Stay well around fireworks and bonfires
It's best to avoid being near fireworks and bonfires if it affects your lung condition, but we know that this may not always be possible. For example, if your neighbours have fireworks or a bonfire at home. You can stay safe by:
Standing back
Stand away from fireworks or bonfires if you're going to a big display. Check which direction the wind is blowing, so you can avoid breathing in too much smoke.
Being prepared
If you have a preventer inhaler, take it everyday as prescribed. This will help you manage your symptoms.
If you use a reliever inhaler, always have it with you. You can use it quickly if your symptoms get worse. Make sure the people you're with know how to help you in an emergency too.
Good inhaler technique helps the medicine reach your lungs where it is needed. Learn more about how to use your inhaler correctly.
If you use a self-management plan, it can be useful to keep a copy with you. If you do not have a self-management plan yet, it's easy to get started. We have free resources available to download or print:
- Asthma action plans for both adults and children
- COPD self-management plan
- Pulmonary fibrosis self-management plan.
Wearing a mask
Some people with lung conditions find face masks helpful when they're exposed to air pollution.
Masks with filters can help to protect you from fireworks and bonfire smoke, but they cannot block the most harmful particles in the air.
If you're celebrating in cold weather, wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth helps to warm the air you're breathing in. This is important because cold air can make your lung condition symptoms worse.
Read more practical advice about cold weather and your lungs.
Consider staying indoors
It may be best to stay inside with your doors and windows closed if fireworks and bonfires affect your lung condition, or if the air quality is already poor. You can check the air quality in your local area on the DEFRA website.
Other ways to celebrate
We know it can be disappointing to celebrate special occasions differently, but there are many safe ways you can have fun.
You could try:
- watching fireworks displays from indoors
- watching fireworks displays on TV or online
- decorating with glowsticks, lights and other colourful decorations
- going to a drone or laser show in your local area
- blowing bubbles or throwing biodegradable confetti.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our Helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.