A combination of bonfire smoke, harmful pollutants from fireworks and the chilly air could trigger potentially life-threatening asthma attacks and serious flare ups, leading lung charity Asthma + Lung UK has warned.
With nearly 12 million people in the UK living with a lung condition, the charity is urging people to take extra precautions as bonfires are lit and fireworks displays get underway across the country.1
Smoke from bonfires and harmful pollutants released by fireworks can irritate the airways and lead to breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. Cold air can also make breathing more difficult, putting people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions at risk of worsening symptoms, flare ups and asthma attacks.
Previous research by the charity found that 40% of people with a lung condition surveyed said that smoke from wood burning and/ or open fires affects their lung condition, while half said air pollution was a trigger for their condition.2 Seven in ten said air pollution made their condition worse.2
With bonfire events planned across the UK, the warning comes amid wider concerns about air pollution. Recent DEFRA data has highlighted high levels of pollution in cities including London, Glasgow and Bristol, while bonfires and fireworks can cause further short-term spikes in harmful air pollutants.3 Asthma + Lung UK is urging people with lung conditions to take extra precautions and check air quality forecasts before they leave their homes.
Dr Matt Swallow, clinical lead from Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“For most people, Bonfire Night means fireworks, sparklers and celebration. But for someone with a lung condition, what should be an evening of fun could end in a medical emergency.
“Bonfire smoke, fireworks pollution and chilly air can all trigger breathing difficulties, potentially leading to life-threatening asthma attacks or serious flare-ups. And you don’t have to be standing next to a bonfire to be affected. Smoke and harmful particles can linger in the air long after the fireworks have finished.
"If smoke from bonfires or fireworks affects your breathing, it’s best to avoid being near them. But we know this isn’t always possible, so we’d urge people to take precautions, including standing well back from smoke, taking medication as prescribed and knowing what to do if their symptoms worsen.”
Asthma + Lung UK recommends the following tips to stay safe:
- Use your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, this builds up protection in your airways
- Stand well away from fireworks or bonfires if you’re going to a big display. Check which direction the wind is blowing in, so you can avoid breathing in too much smoke
- If you use one, always have your reliever inhaler with you, so you can use it quickly if you need to
- Make sure the people you’re with know what to do if your symptoms suddenly get worse. Follow your self-management plan and keep a copy with you
- If you’re celebrating in cold weather, wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth helps to warm up the air you’re breathing in. This is important because cold air could also worsen your symptoms.
For information on how to stay safe with a lung condition, you can access Asthma + Lung UK's Winter Guide here, which provides free personalised guidance tailored to your condition, to protect your lungs and wellbeing over winter.
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References
- Global Burden of Disease 2023: Findings from the GBD 2023 study | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation 2025. Available here.
- Data from Asthma + Lung UK’s Life with a Lung Condition 2025 survey. The survey ran between January and March 2025 and received 9,208 responses across the UK. Most respondents (71%) were women, and 95% identified as White. Most respondents were aged 60–79 years (60%) and had either asthma or COPD (89%).
- DEFRA’s Air Quality in the UK 2025 report found London, Glasgow and Bristol to be non-compliant with illegal levels of NO2.