Fireworks' Impact: Air Pollution And Quality Concerns

Fireworks are a source of entertainment and celebration, but they also have a detrimental impact on air quality. Fireworks contain a range of toxic compounds, including sulphur, potassium, heavy metals, and perchlorate, which is an oxidizer that fuels the reaction. When burned, fireworks release harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. These emissions can affect air quality and contribute to climate change, with potential negative consequences for human health, particularly for vulnerable individuals with respiratory conditions. Studies have shown that fireworks can cause short-term air quality degradation, with elevated levels of pollutants detected during and after firework displays. The impact of fireworks on air pollution and respiratory health is a growing concern, especially in communities that are already disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Fireworks increase air pollution by releasing harmful chemicals

The burning of fireworks produces a large amount of air pollutants, particularly sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, along with several metal salts, for example, aluminium, manganese, and cadmium. Fireworks contain a potent blend of toxic compounds. Although perchlorate, an oxidiser that fuels the reaction, tends to dissipate during combustion, remnants can still be found in the soil and water after fireworks displays.

Heavy metals supply the colours we associate with fireworks displays—barium for glistening greens, lithium and strontium compounds for bursts of red, copper for flashes of blue, and aluminium for dazzling white. These metals can be inhaled or find their way into the water and soil. While one fireworks display is unlikely to cause lasting health effects, repeated exposure can be problematic.

The smoke and particles created by fireworks are especially problematic for vulnerable people, including children, older adults, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In people with heart disease, short-term exposure has been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias. Fine particle pollution can aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Particulate matter from fireworks can land on the soil and water, altering the nutrients in the soil and resulting in surface water becoming more acidic, with severe consequences for ecosystems. Atmospheric sulphur components, such as sulphur dioxide, are able to damage leaves and disrupt the growth of trees and plants.

Fireworks affect vulnerable people and communities of colour disproportionately

Fireworks have a detrimental effect on air quality, which in turn affects vulnerable people and communities of colour disproportionately.

Fireworks contain a range of substances such as carbon, sulphur, arsenic, manganese, sodium oxalate, aluminium, iron dust powder, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, and barium nitrate. When fireworks are set off, these chemicals react and burn, creating a noticeable and odorous cloud of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere.

The inhalation of such particles is one of the most important routes of exposure to elevated concentrations of these emissions. PM deposition in the respiratory system depends on the particle size. Several metallic elements of PM were found to be at substantially elevated levels during firework events, including aluminium, barium, copper, strontium, antimony, lead, magnesium, and potassium.

Communities of colour and vulnerable populations with higher rates of asthma, older residents, and children, are exposed to higher levels of smoke from firework displays than other groups. Fireworks smoke is largely composed of two types of particulate matter: course particulates (PM10) and fine particulates (PM2.5). Short-term exposure to fine particle pollution can pose health concerns, particularly for children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions. This smoke can aggravate lung disease, cause asthma attacks and acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In people with heart disease, short-term exposures have been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias.

In addition to particulate matter, firework activity also increases harmful gaseous concentrations, including carbon monoxide and nitric oxide. The temporary enjoyment of fireworks releases a host of contaminants that affect air quality and can contribute to climate change, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter.

During the five-day celebration of Diwali in India, about 50,000 tons, or 100 million pounds, of fireworks explode, causing a toxic haze to cover cities. In the case of India, PM found in the country's air increased up to 35 times on celebration days when fireworks were present compared to normal days.

Similarly, in central London, a study shows increased particle pollutant concentration during nights with fireworks – all thanks to the toxic elements and metals emitted from firework combustion.

Fireworks smoke includes particulate matter, which can trigger asthma

Fireworks are a source of particulate matter, which is a major component of air pollution. Fireworks smoke is composed of both coarse and fine particles, with the latter (PM2.5) being of particular concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. These fine particles are released into the atmosphere during fireworks displays and can remain suspended for up to 20 hours, posing health risks to those who inhale them.

The smoke from fireworks contains a mixture of toxic compounds, including heavy metals such as barium, lithium, strontium, copper, and aluminum. These metals are responsible for the vibrant colours we associate with fireworks displays. While a single fireworks display is unlikely to cause lasting health effects, repeated exposure can be harmful, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can be triggered by various factors, including air pollutants. The particulate matter and toxic compounds released during fireworks displays can act as triggers for asthma attacks. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and airway constriction, leading to asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

The impact of fireworks smoke on asthma can be understood through various studies and reports. For example, during the Diwali festival in India, a 30% to 40% increase in respiratory diseases and asthma exacerbations was reported. Additionally, a case report described one fatal and another near-fatal asthma exacerbation within hours of exposure to fireworks. These findings highlight the potential dangers of fireworks smoke for individuals with asthma.

To minimize the impact of fireworks smoke on asthma, individuals with this condition should take precautions such as reducing their exposure to fireworks displays, using preventer and reliever inhalers as prescribed, and considering the use of face masks with filters. Staying indoors with closed doors and windows during fireworks displays can also help reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter.

In summary, fireworks smoke contains particulate matter, including fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger asthma attacks. The release of toxic compounds during fireworks displays poses a risk to individuals with asthma, and taking precautions to minimize exposure is essential to managing this condition effectively.

Fireworks also release toxic metals like strontium, barium, and lead

Fireworks are a source of air pollution, and their impact on air quality has been studied across various countries, including the United States, India, Canada, China, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Fireworks release a range of toxic substances, including sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and various metal salts.

Strontium, barium, and lead are all heavy metals with well-known toxicological profiles. Strontium, when inhaled, can cause respiratory issues, bone pain, and weakness. Barium is highly toxic and can lead to adverse effects on the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, as well as the nervous system. Lead is a well-known neurotoxin and can cause a range of health issues, especially in children, including behavioural problems, learning difficulties, and impaired cognitive development.

The release of these toxic metals during fireworks displays contributes to air pollution and poses risks to human health, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The metals can be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues, or they can contaminate water and soil, entering the food chain and causing long-term environmental damage.

While the impact of a single fireworks display may be relatively short-lived, the cumulative effect of multiple displays over a short period, such as during national holidays, can cause regional air pollution levels to spike and remain elevated for several days. This prolonged exposure can pose a serious health risk to vulnerable populations.

To mitigate the impact of fireworks on air pollution and human health, some cities have implemented policies to reduce their use, such as limiting the number of days fireworks are allowed or banning them in certain areas. Additionally, alternative celebration methods, such as drone or laser displays, are being explored as environmentally-friendly options that can reduce air pollution and the risk of wildfires.

Fireworks can cause short-term and long-term health issues

Moreover, the chemicals and metals emitted from fireworks combustion can have long-term health effects. Fireworks release toxic atmospheric pollutants, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. The particulate matter in fireworks smoke, known as PM2.5, is an asthma trigger and a leading contributor to respiratory disease. It can affect people's lungs and hearts and cause environmental damage. The toxic haze created by particulate matter can remain in the air for several days, posing a serious health risk to vulnerable populations.

The heavy metals in fireworks, such as barium, lithium, strontium, copper, and aluminum, are also a cause for concern. These metals can be inhaled or make their way into the water and soil, leading to potential health risks for those exposed over a long period. Additionally, perchlorate, an oxidizer used in fireworks, can affect the function of the thyroid gland when present in large amounts. It can contaminate soil and water, affecting fish development and flora in the surrounding environment.

While one fireworks display may not cause lasting health effects, repeated exposure can be harmful. Vulnerable communities, including urban areas with higher rates of asthma, more elderly residents, and a larger proportion of children, tend to be more exposed to fireworks pollution. Communities of color and low-income minority communities are also at greater risk of the detrimental health impacts of fireworks. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential health consequences of fireworks and take precautions to minimize exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals.

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