As we head into Independence Day weekend, please remember that fireworks are dangerous — because they increase pollution. A couple of scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — the same agency recently caught lying about the global warming hiatus — warn that fireworks displays dramatically increase harmful particle pollution beyond levels the EPA considers to be safe. Those with some respiratory conditions may wish to take proper precautions. EPA rules do still most graciously allow for using fireworks to celebrate our independence, but, knowing that tyrannical agency, that freedom may not last forever. Of course, none of this is to say fireworks are harmless. Do be careful out there this weekend. But we also wonder how we’d survive without government scientists to enlighten us.