Press Release: GCPH Releases Traffic Fatality Report for 3rd Quarter

Posted on: July 7, 2026

XENIA, OH -- The Greene County Safe Communities program reports three fatal crashes in the third quarter of the grant’s fiscal year, 2026 (April - June 2026). Full Story

Board of Health Meeting - July

Posted on: July 2, 2026

Season 3, Ep. 13 of Public Health Matters is Now Available

Posted on: July 1, 2026

Buckle up, Friends...this is gonna be a long one! As America celebrates 250 years, take a fascinating look back at how public health has transformed life in Greene County. From frontier-era diseases and unsafe water to modern medicine and disease prevention, discover how far we've come—and what history can teach us about building a healthier future. Full Story

ODH Press Release: Take Proper Precautions To Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Posted on: June 30, 2026

June 30, 2026 Full Story

Fireworks Smoke Can Pose Hidden Health Risks

Posted on: June 26, 2026

As communities prepare for upcoming fireworks displays, Public Health is urging residents to be aware of the short-term but significant air quality impacts caused by fireworks smoke and a pollutant known as PM 2.5.

What is PM 2.5?

PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter that measures 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These particles are so small that thousands could fit on the period at the end of a sentence. Common sources include soot, dust, and smoke, and their tiny size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

During and after fireworks displays, PM 2.5 levels can spike dramatically. For a few hours after fireworks displays on holidays such as Independence Day, PM 2.5 concentrations often reach two to five times higher than federal health-based standards. Since there are fireworks displays scheduled for July 3rd and 4th this year, higher PM 2.5 concentrations could happen on both days.

“These spikes may be brief, but they are intense,” said Eileen Moran, Regional Air Pollution Agency (RAPCA) Senior Manager. “Breathing smoke from fireworks can irritate the lungs, trigger asthma attacks and worsen conditions like COPD. It can also increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals with heart or lung conditions.”

More Than Just Smoke
Fireworks emissions are not limited to simple dust or smoke. The colorful displays rely on a range of toxic trace metals, including strontium, barium, and copper, as well as gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These compounds contribute to the vivid colors and explosive effects but also pose additional health concerns when inhaled.

Lingering Effects
While fireworks displays may last only minutes, the resulting pollution can linger. Elevated PM 2.5 levels often remain in the local atmosphere for several hours, sometimes taking until midday the following day to fully dissipate.

How to Protect Yourself
Residents can take simple steps to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants during and after fireworks events:

Check the Air: Monitor real-time air quality conditions at AirNow.gov before spending time outdoors.
Seal Your Home: Keep windows and doors closed, especially if you live near a fireworks venue.
Filter Your Air: Use an indoor air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles.
Maintain Distance: When attending displays, stay as far away as possible and try to position yourself upwind of the smoke.

Public Health emphasizes that children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions should take extra precautions during high-exposure periods.

For more information on air quality and health, visit www.rapca.org or www.AirNow.gov.

Also Inside

06/17/2026 - Season 3, Ep. 12 of Public Health Matters is Now Available
06/09/2026 - Mosquito Season in Greene County
06/08/2026 - Meet Sunny Greene, your Public Health Hero!
06/03/2026 - Here comes the (sun)screen!
06/03/2026 - Season 3, Ep. 11 of Public Health Matters is Now Available
05/27/2026 - ODH Press Release: Take Proper Precautions, Summer Activities