India, July 7 -- Washington briefly became the world's most polluted major city after massive Fourth of July fireworks went off as part of the Trump administration's Freedom 250 celebrations, according to IQAir data.

The fireworks display happened to mark America's Independence Day. Pyrotecnico, the company hired for the event, had the goal to break the world record by launching around 850,000 fireworks during the 40-minute show.

Large crowds of people gathered at Lower Manhattan and across the city to witness the 50th year of Macy's Fourth of July fireworks and celebrate America's 250th birthday. This year, the fireworks show featured more than 85,000 shells and effects. It also featured a laser and light show for the first time.

The ...