AbstractThe results of investigations on the emission of particulate matter from three outdoor firework displays are presented. During these events, possibly harmful and toxic aerosol emissions were measured. Aerosols in the size range from 30 to 450 nm were detected. The maxima in the observed particle size distribution were between 80 and 175 nm, and the highest value determined was ∼1.3 · 106 particles per cm3, while the highest mass concentration was approximately 1.8 mg m–3. The time‐averaged particle mass concentration did, however, not exceed 0.7 mg m–3 (over 15 min).