Every year, Americans celebrate Independence Day with nearly 300 million pounds (136,000 tonnes) of fireworks. In 2022, this number soared to over 460 million pounds (209,000 tonnes). While these spectacular displays light up the sky, they also bring a significant increase in air pollution, potentially harming the environment and public health.
The History and Impact of Fireworks
Fireworks have a long history, dating back to 2nd Century BC China. However, their environmental and health impacts are only now becoming fully understood. Fireworks contribute to air pollution, affecting wildlife, the environment, and human health.
Health Risks Associated with Fireworks
Most discussions around firework dangers focus on injuries from burns and explosions. However, the larger displays, particularly on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve, pose broader health risks.
Recent years have seen a rise in firework-related injuries, with men constituting 70% of the injured and 66% of injuries occurring around July 4th. In addition to physical injuries, fireworks generate significant air pollution. According to Peter Brimblecombe, a professor of environmental sciences at the University of East Anglia, fireworks contribute to particulate pollution in the air.
Pollution from Fireworks
Fireworks release large amounts of smoke and other pollutants. Studies have shown that in some areas, the concentration of fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) can increase by 1.5 to 10 times on the night of July 4th and the following day. These particles are linked to various health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and low birth weight.
A study of 315 sites across the US in 2015 found that PM2.5 concentrations were 42% higher on average during the 4th of July holiday, with areas near large displays experiencing nearly quadrupled levels. Although this pollution is usually short-lived, it poses significant health risks.
Brimblecombe notes that pollutant loads increase during these events, affecting air quality and health. His research found a sharp rise in PM2.5 concentrations during firework celebrations. Fireworks also emit sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, which are toxic and harmful to health.
Health Effects of Firework Pollution
Exposure to high levels of air pollutants from fireworks can lead to chronic respiratory issues such as cough, phlegm, and breathlessness, increasing the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other diseases. Although the general public experiences short-term effects, pyrotechnicians face long-term exposure risks.
While there isn’t a direct link between fireworks and long-term health impacts, evidence suggests a rise in asthma attacks during firework celebrations, as observed in Iceland. However, data limitations make it challenging to draw definitive conclusions
