#71 TRENDING IN Environment 🔥

A Hidden Crisis: the Environmental Cost and Dangers of Fireworks

Environment

December 19, 2024

For over two thousand years, fireworks have been a staple in celebrations across the globe. Especially with the holiday season swiftly approaching, fireworks will be making frequent appearances. Here in the U.S.A., we use them to celebrate our independence, the new year, and even for private events.

The bursting rockets excite us as soon as that first crack explodes across the sky. And what’s not to love? The bright colors streaming across the sky, the rain of sparks, that familiar pop as the shell explodes. Fireworks have been there at almost every celebration for what feels like forever. It seems nearly impossible that something this special could have any downsides, but there may be more to these giant sparklers than we think.

yellow and red fireworks

Image Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST from Unsplash

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What's Inside?

To understand why these lovable celebration devices are harmful, we first must look at the anatomy of a firework. According to the Ontario Science Center, the most basic formula for a firework is an oxidizer, fuel, binder, and then a colorant. Essentially, the main ingredient in a firework is “black powder” or gunpowder.

Gunpowder comprises 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal, and 10% sulfur. The instant the rocket explodes these chemicals are released into the air and contaminate it. But, what does this mean?

I grew up watching fireworks. I’d watch them on the 4th of July, at my family friends parties, everywhere. I fell in love with them.

And back when I was young and so entranced with the sparkles that fired across the sky, I would have never considered the dangers of these rockets. If I were told about the makeup of the fireworks - gunpowder - I wouldn’t so much as bat an eye. The mere fact that one of my favorite parts of a party was made up of various chemicals I didn’t understand, would never deter me from watching them. So why should it?

white and black plastic bottle

Image Credit: Apothecary 87 from Unsplash

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How is This Dangerous?

All these different components that make up fireworks have proven to be significantly harmful to the environment. When a firework explodes, several chemicals are released that can poison the earth's atmosphere resulting in heavy air pollution. The American Lung Association reports that fireworks emit gasses including carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. Climate change has been a topic often brought up in schools and discussions for years now. These chemicals are a large part of this contamination. For years scientists have been trying to reverse these effects. The more we see how even the smallest things can contribute to it, the more we can see how hard it is to solve. Just something as simple as fireworks actually play a large part in these well-known topics. All of these chemicals have heavy impacts on environmental issues such as global warming and air pollution.

Free Close-Up Photo of Flashing Sparks on Black Background Stock Photo

Image Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels

What Does This Mean for Us?

These effects are not just harmful to the environment. In fact, just short exposures can cause damage to our health. The air pollution that comes from these fireworks can be dangerous to those with asthma or other breathing-related problems.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, fireworks can “aggravate lung disease, causing asthma and acute bronchitis, and increasing the susceptibility to respiratory infections.” Not only is the environment being contaminated, but we as the audience, are being affected. The Fourth of July is probably one of the biggest holidays that brings my town together in one space. We all gather down by the local lake to watch the fireworks. All these people in one place gathered to watch the colors explode. Often when we would watch, we didn’t know about these side-effects that come from the fireworks, we just watched. Several people are unaware of the dangers of fireworks. Just because most people are unaware of the consequences does not mean it is necessary to run around telling people to stop watching the fireworks. These health effects can be minimized; without shutting down the one time a year where the town comes together.

Free Silhouette of Kids Watching Firework Display Stock Photo

Image Credit: Umar Ali from Pexels

What Can You Do?

Just because these colorful bursts of fire are harmful does not mean there is no way to minimize the effects. The biggest thing we, as people, can do is avoid using personal fireworks. In doing so, we limit the number of times fireworks are used as well as the concentration of chemicals in one area.

By leaving it to the professionals, the chemicals released into the atmosphere can be better controlled. The less put out, the less damage done. Fireworks can still be a fun display at events as long as we know and are aware of the effects and how to minimize them.

Just because there are more regulations in place for professional fireworks does not mean you can’t still take extra precautions. One thing you can do in order to stay personally safe and still enjoy the public fireworks is watch from inside. The colorful rockets can be just as magical from behind the glass.

Pop some popcorn and sit by the window and watch the fireworks explode from the safety of your home. This way you can enjoy the experience without having to worry about the dangers.

Whether you are watching from inside the comfort of your home or out under the open sky, fireworks are still a magical experience. Still, it is always important to remember the dangers of these lovely rockets. This way we can take the right steps to making sure you stay safe as well as stay mindful of the environment.

Free Fireworks Display during Night Time Stock Photo

Image Credit: Siva Seshappan from Pexels

Claire Borncamp

Writer since Aug, 2024 · 3 published articles

Claire is a high school Sophomore in Chicago IL. She first fell in love with writing during the Covid pandemic, seeing it as a way to step outside of the chaos and find community. Apart from writing, Claire enjoys tennis, soccer, and skiing with her family.

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