Real-Time Measurements of Ozone and UV Radiation during Pyrotechnic Displays

ABSTRACT

Real-time measurements of ozone, NO_x, aerosols and radiation were performed very close to the launch area of high intensity pyrotechnic spectacles, the so-called Mascletàs, typical of celebrations in eastern Spain. During these events, a considerable number of spectators are potentially exposed to high concentrations of pollutants directly or indirectly produced by the ignition of thousands of firecrackers at ground-level. This work is focused on the mechanism of ozone formation throughout the Mascletàs. After the initial decrease in O₃ levels (minimum concentration < 10 µg m^–3) due to the reaction with NO emitted by fireworks explosions, peak concentrations of up to ~150 µg m^–3 were recorded, clearly indicating that ozone was generated during these events. The results suggest that UV light produced by fireworks displays photolyzes O₂ releasing O to form O₃ as in the stratosphere.