Boomsday to improve Knoxville's air quality by 20 percent

Tonight's Boomsday fireworks show could improve the quality of Knoxville's air by up to 20 percent, Environmental Protection Agency officials say. Knoxville, which failed to meet 2008 standards set by the federal agency, also ranked 15th on Forbes magazine's list of America's dirtiest cities last year. The annual fireworks display is expected to propel heavy metals, low concentration toxic chemicals and sulfur-coal compounds into the atmosphere. Experts say these compounds should actually reduce the threat of Knoxville's wheezy cancer sky by pushing even more dangerous air into neighboring counties. "The thick smoke from tonight's fireworks will shove even worse air into Maryville, Oak Ridge and other nearby cities," gasped director of Knoxville air pollution management Steve Archer. "Ultimately this is really good for the city. Knoxville should probably have Boomsday two or three times a year to maximize air quality improvement efficiency." More than 400,000 gasmask-wearing spectators are expected at tonight's show.