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Disneyland forced to test the air

Staff
Saturday March 02, 2002

ANAHEIM — Responding to residents’ complaints that fireworks shows at the Disneyland Resort are polluting their neighborhood, a regional agency will test air particles to collect any residue. 

The South Coast Air Quality Management District will place glass plates in neighborhoods upwind and downwind from the resort later this month to determine whether ash and other products such as aluminum and magnesium are being left behind. 

“If we have some sort of measurable residue, we’ll make a determination whether additional sampling should be done and what type,” said Carol Coy, AQMD’s deputy executive officer of engineering and compliance. “This is just the first step.” 

Disney has increased the number of fireworks shows over the past two years. Park officials said they support the testing to ensure compliance with state regulations. 

People who live near the resort believe long-term exposure to the fireworks residue may be harmful. 

“I think there needs to be some follow up for people who have been exposed to this for a long time,” Anaheim resident Amy Davis said. “Nobody is tracking the health issues.”