The Environmental Impact of Fireworks and the Fourth of July
Don’t worry, this isn’t just for Americans, if you enjoy fireworks, this video is for you. I’m sure we all love a good fireworks display. They light up the night in fun patterns and from a distance, they aren’t too loud! But, have you ever seen the pollution they leave behind? Chances are low since displays are at night, but perhaps the next explosion lights up the cloud of smoke in the air or you go to the park the next day and see the debris on the ground.
That’s right, fireworks are very pollutive. They contain CO2, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter all contribute to air and water pollution and even climate change itself! Just think about it: they’re explosives wrapped in paper and wrapped in plastic packaging. Some even shoot off those little plastic parachutes which can end up in animal’s food.
During Independence Day weekend, estimates from the American Pyrotechnics Association estimate over 14,000 individual fireworks go off on just this one day a year. I’m only talking about this now cause this is the biggest fireworks display day in the US but you’ll likely also see large displays during the New Year, the Indian celebration of Diwali, Christmas, Memorial Day, and even things like weddings, birthdays, graduations, and sporting events. They’re a huge part of many cultures and holidays but that doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly.
So, what’s the issue with fireworks?
Air Pollution
A big one is air pollution which can lead to smog, pollution caused by particulate matter which is solid and liquid substances found in the air and is deemed the most toxic air pollutant due to the way it affects our lungs and hearts as well as the environment. A study was done in India after Diwali and found that the particulate matter in the air increased 35 times on days when fireworks were used.
Not only this, but fireworks also release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitric oxide which are toxic to inhale and can inhibit the transport of oxygen throughout one’s body. Not just animals but plants, too. A study was gone in Minneapolis during a 4th of July fireworks launch and found that “carbon monoxide increased by 32%, carbon dioxide grew by 17%, and nitric oxide fluctuated a bit before ‘doubling overnight.’”
We learned more about how these gases can cause climate change in this video.
Light and Noise pollution
And this is just the affects of the pollutants, what about the effects on the wildlife during and after the display?
As humans, we have the capability to understand what a firework is and why it’s going off. Animals don’t have that luxury. They see bright lights and hear loud noises and think “DANGER!” Think about your pets at home and how scared they may be during a fireworks display and they’re in a safe environment. Now think about the wildlife.
Animals can become lost, disoriented, and obviously suffer the same health consequences we do. They may also abandon their homes due to them now thinking it’s unsafe. They may run into roadways and get hit, too.
In Europe, they conducted a study using GPS on Artic Geese to show their migratory patterns after the affects of fireworks on New Year’s Eve. They found that the geese left their sleeping spots due to the light and noise and they never returned due to the heightened sense of danger. Fireworks are literally displacing animals and changing their migrations.
Water and Ground Pollution
The best-known (perhaps worst-known) chemical compound in fireworks is Perchlorate. It’s added to fireworks to make them shoot upwards. It can affect the thyroid gland when consumed in large amounts but can also leech into our soil and groundwater. It can remain in the environment for long periods of time and is easily absorbed by plant life. So, when you’re setting off fireworks over your garden or near a local farm or orchard, they’re going to absorb Perchlorate and quickly end up in the food chain.
The US Geological Survey and the National Park Service studied the levels of Perchlorate in soil and water at Mt Rushmore. They found that increased levels of the chemical were present after a fireworks display where debris landed and even found an increased level where debris landed in the water in the PAST.
Physical Pollution
All of this pollution aside, we still have to deal with the physical aftermath of fireworks including shells, heavy metals, plastic, cardboard, ash, and more are all left behind and can float miles away and end up in our own drinking water plus the food of the local wildlife.
Chemicals are one thing but fireworks can contribute to microplastics as well. The River Thames in England had a large increase in microplastics after their New Year’s Eve show and that’s just one example. During this, they found a 1000% (yes, one THOUSAND percent) instead from a sample taken on Dec 30 vs Jan 1, just 24 hours later.
Clean up what you can, but since they are explosives that go off at high altitudes, we can’t predict where every piece of debris will land.
Fire Hazard
As the climate continues to warm and dry areas get drier, the risk for wildfires continues to rise. A single ember or spark can start a wildfire that can quickly get out of control. Of couse, setting off fireworks in residential areas isn’t a good idea either and can cause house or barn fires or even set local plants ablaze in town. Even if you’re extremely careful about your launch radius and personal fire safety, you have no idea where sparks may land.
What can we do instead?
We need to stop purposefully polluting our environment on so many levels for a few moments of entertainment. Here are a few options that are on the rise for more eco-friendly celebrations:
Pyrotechnic displays that are at a lower altitude, are quieter, and produce less pollution have been tested in Canada
Italy is testing silent fireworks which are colorful and illuminated displays, just soundless (I’m not sure what the pollution levels of this one are)
Once you’ve probably heard of and is quite the popular option these days is a drone display. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics tried this out in lieu of fireworks.
Laser displays are all the fun and lights without the pollution
What if I still want to use fireworks?
I’m going to continue to encourage you don’t use them (see above). But, if you must, here is some firework safety:
Choose fireworks with no confetti, parachutes, or other plastic waste inside the explosive
Don’t launch them in a dry area or during a dry season
Get as far away from structures, woodlands, farms, food, and wildlife as possible
Don’t launch over water sources (ponds, lakes, rivers, the ocean)
Clean up your mess as best as you can
Have fire safety measures on standby (hoses and extinguishers)
Keep pets inside
Wear hearing and eye protection as well as a respirator
I hope this post was educational and you learned a lot, I sure did!
Let’s all strive to make our holidays more eco-friendly whether you celebrate the 4th of July or another holiday that uses fireworks later on.
Be sure to check out my other zero waste holiday tips, too!
As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run
Emma
