Fireworks have been a quintessential part of Fourth of July celebrations across the nation for generations. But as Independence Day festivities light up the night sky, the colorful displays can also pose serious health risks — especially to the lungs. Nearly 300 million pounds of fireworks are released into the atmosphere each year in the U.S., according to the American Lung Association. This creates smoke filled with tiny particles, as well as gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and…