They're beautiful to look at but watching too many fireworks may come at a price. Wheezing, coughing and burning eyes are a few of the side effect to all that smoke and fine particles in the air floating right into your lungs.

Many surmised that the fireworks on 4th of July would create more air pollution -- but how much was never actually addressed officially (and why not?)  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Air Resources Laboratory, College Park, Maryland, researchers analyzed information from more than 300 air-quality monitoring sites throughout the United States, from 1999 to 2013 examining fine particulate matter that can get deep into the lungs. Previous studies failed to quantify the effects of fireworks nationwide.

The study found that there was a spike of approx. 42% on the 4th of July compared to average concentrations of fine particulate matter measured over a 24-hour period several days before and after the holiday. From 9 to 10 p.m. on the Fourth measurements for fine particulate matter were the highest.  During that hour,  concentrations increased by 21 micrograms per cubic meter, pushing the total concentration close to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's limit for a 24-hour period of 35 micrograms. 

Increases in fine particulate matter varied depending on  the weather and the proximity of fireworks to the monitoring site. At one site particulate matter concentrations rose 370% on the holiday.

Exposure to fine particles is linked with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and even heart attacks, stroke and early death, according to the EPA. At greatest risk are people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children.

To lessen exposure,  watch fireworks from upwind or as far away as possible.

States may exceed the EPA standard for 24-hour fine particulate matter concentrations, if they can show that the spike was due to fireworks displays, or other  exceptional events.