Fireworks' Air Pollution: Understanding The Impact

Fireworks are a source of air pollution, releasing toxic gases and pollutants that can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. The smoke and particles produced by fireworks can irritate the respiratory system, particularly in vulnerable individuals, and contribute to climate change by releasing harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen into the atmosphere. While fireworks are a well-loved tradition in many cultures, the metal salts and heavy metals they release during combustion have short- and long-term impacts on air quality, with some studies showing significant increases in pollutants within close proximity to displays.

Fireworks introduce 42% more pollutants into the air than a normal day

Fireworks are a major source of air pollution, with a national average of 42% more pollutants introduced into the air on Independence Day compared to a typical day. This increase in pollution is attributed to the high levels of particle pollution emitted by fireworks, which can include toxic chemicals such as perchlorate, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants have significant adverse effects on both human health and the environment.

The smoke and particles released by fireworks can lead to coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions. In some cases, the air quality degrades to "'unhealthy'" or even "very unhealthy" levels, affecting entire communities, especially in urban areas with higher populations of vulnerable individuals. The smoke from fireworks can also contribute to climate change and result in changes in air temperature, humidity, and air visibility, impacting both people and wildlife.

The impact of fireworks pollution is particularly evident in celebrations like the Fourth of July in the United States and Diwali in India. In the U.S., cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City have experienced degraded air quality due to fireworks, with some areas reaching "unhealthy" levels. Similarly, during Diwali, the use of fireworks in India has led to a significant increase in particulate matter, with cities like Delhi recording extremely high levels of PM2.5, posing health risks to residents.

To address the environmental and health concerns associated with fireworks, some countries and cities have implemented policies to reduce their impact. For example, several cities in California, such as Salt Lake City and Boulder, have opted for drone shows instead of traditional fireworks displays to minimize smoke and debris. These alternatives can provide entertainment while reducing the harmful effects of fireworks pollution on the environment and vulnerable populations.

While fireworks are a source of joy and celebration for many, it is essential to recognize their impact on air quality and public health. By understanding the extent of fireworks pollution, communities, governments, and individuals can make informed decisions to balance enjoyment with the well-being of people and the planet.

Fireworks can cause coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing

Fireworks are a major source of air pollution, and their impact on air quality can be felt for several hours or even days after displays. The burning of fireworks releases a large number of air pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and various metal salts. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health, both in the short and long term.

Medical studies have found a link between inhaling smoke and particulate matter from fireworks and coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. The particulate matter in the haze can irritate the bronchial tubes, which are the small tubes that lead to the alveoli in the lungs, causing respiratory issues. This can lead to increased vulnerability to respiratory symptoms, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, lower respiratory tract infections, and lung cancer.

People with asthma or other lung or heart diseases are particularly vulnerable to the effects of fireworks smoke, as it may trigger asthma attacks or flare-ups of their existing lung conditions. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues are also at higher risk of experiencing coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties due to fireworks.

To minimize the risk of respiratory problems, it is recommended to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, limit time spent outdoors when fireworks displays are taking place, and wear masks with filters. Checking air quality updates and wind direction can also help individuals avoid excessive exposure to harmful particles.

Fireworks increase air toxicity, affecting birds, wildlife, pets, and people

Fireworks are a well-known source of celebration and entertainment, but they significantly increase air toxicity, adversely affecting birds, wildlife, pets, and people. The negative impacts of fireworks are far-reaching and often underestimated, with the belief that fireworks are only an issue during specific times of the year, such as the 4th of July, when, in reality, they pose a threat year-round.

The loud explosions and bright flashes of fireworks can startle birds, causing them to abandon their nests and fly erratically. This behaviour leads to tragic consequences, as the parent birds cannot find their way back to their nests, resulting in the death of their offspring from dehydration or starvation. Moreover, the toxic chemicals released by fireworks, including ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide, have been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory damage in humans. These pollutants also contaminate the environment, affecting the air, soil, and water sources that wildlife relies on for survival.

Pets, such as cats and dogs, are highly sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells produced by fireworks. Up to 50% of dogs exhibit fear responses to the loud explosions, causing them to hide, pace, shake, or even flee in panic. This distress can lead to fatal health consequences, and the stress can impact their overall health and well-being.

The effects of fireworks on humans go beyond physical injuries, which are common, with an estimated 11,500 people suffering injuries from fireworks in 2021. The loud noises can trigger startle responses, disrupting sleep patterns and leading to insomnia. This, in turn, affects various aspects of a person's life, including cognitive function, mood, and immune system strength. The toxins released by fireworks further elevate health risks, especially in communities with high proportions of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with asthma.

While the immediate impacts of fireworks are concerning, the long-term consequences on the environment and public health are equally troubling. The toxic chemicals released can persist in the environment, leading to unknown future effects on ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the far-reaching consequences of fireworks and take steps to mitigate their harmful effects on birds, wildlife, pets, and people.

Fireworks can cause hearing damage and trigger mental health episodes

Fireworks are a major source of air pollution. As a national average, Independence Day fireworks introduce 42% more pollutants into the air than are found on a normal day. Part of that increase is a spike in emissions of perchlorate, a chemical that may disrupt the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones needed for normal growth and development.

However, fireworks are also a cause for concern for other reasons. Fireworks and firecrackers can register 150 decibels at 3 feet away, which is well beyond the safe listening volume of 75–80 decibels. Noise at this level can cause permanent hearing damage in less than 1 second. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends that people wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, and maintain a safe distance of at least 500 feet from noise sources to protect their hearing during fireworks displays.

In addition to causing hearing damage, fireworks can also trigger mental health episodes in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The loud noises and unpredictability of fireworks explosions can activate the arousal system or sympathetic nervous system, leading to a startle response and flashbacks. Fireworks can also create feelings of stress and disrupt sleep for people with PTSD, which can further worsen their mood and mental health functioning.

The impact of fireworks on individuals with PTSD is not limited to those with military backgrounds. Veterans, people living in neighbourhoods plagued by gun violence, and those who have been victims of gun violence are all at risk of being triggered by fireworks. Even for those without PTSD, unexpected fireworks can cause feelings of stress and sleep interruptions.

Vulnerable populations are disproportionately exposed to fireworks pollution

Fireworks produce colourful, crackling light displays, but they also create smoke and release a host of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. These include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. The smoke from fireworks can be comparable to that from wildfires and can affect air quality for millions of people.

The smoke and particulate matter from fireworks can result in coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Particulate matter can irritate the bronchial tubes that connect to the alveoli, the sacs that allow us to breathe. Poor air quality can also aggravate chronic heart issues such as congestive heart failure and high blood pressure and has been linked to premature death. In addition, there is evidence that smoke inhalation weakens the immune system.

Communities of colour and low-income communities are also disproportionately exposed to fireworks pollution. These communities already experience "perpetual exposure to hazardous environmental toxins," as Aisha Dickerson, an environmental epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, explains. Fireworks add to the environmental toxins that these communities are exposed to, aggravating an already prevalent and persistent issue.

To protect vulnerable populations from fireworks pollution, city and local governments should consider restricting or limiting fireworks displays. Individuals can also take steps to limit their exposure, such as wearing masks or watching fireworks shows from indoors.

Frequently asked questions