Fireworks have been set off to celebrate for thousands of years, and this New Year’s Eve is no exception.
But while Americans and millions of others around the world are ringing in the new year with dazzling displays of color; chemical reactionyou may not be aware of the negative impact it has on the environment and ecosystem.
“If we look at the composition of these particles and which ones are most harmful to human health, we find that fireworks are laced with particles from coal-fired power plants,” said Terry Gordon, a professor at New York University. That seems to be the worst.” the university told the publication delaware current Last July.
“I think fireworks are very toxic based on the fact that they have a very high metal content compared to the normal particles that we breathe in,” he said.
That’s something medical experts agree on.
Modern fireworks are made as follows. Chemicals and mineral elements. Strontium creates red fireworks Barium produces a green color. The report says Americans release nearly 300 million pounds into the Earth’s atmosphere each year. american lung association.
Explosions rain from the sky and unfortunately contain pollutants that can worsen air quality and harm your lungs. The group warned that inhaling gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide can cause breathing difficulties, while illegal fireworks containing lead can cause long-term damage. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas They are emitted by human activities and contribute to global warming.
Exposure has been shown to increase lung disease and chronic cough. Particles (particulate matter) produced by firework smoke can also cause heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Personal fireworks are even more dangerous due to their close proximity to humans.
“The amount of pollution depends on the size of the fireworks, how long they last, and the weather conditions at the time. Fireworks can also start wildfires, create more smoke, and worsen air pollution.” The association warns.
Air quality in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area was already moderate by Tuesday morning, Bay Area officials said. Residents were asked to refrain from setting off personal fireworks.lighting a bonfire or wood stove or burning wood to keep pollution at the same level. Moderate air pollution means that air quality is acceptable but may pose a risk to some sensitive groups.
In addition to the impacts on human health, there are more direct impacts on Earth’s wildlife and environment that can last long after the holidays.
Toxic chemicals can enter waterways, and packaging not picked up by spectators can introduce even more microplastics, which are known to be harmful to humans and life. They can also cause climate change by producing greenhouse gases and through it Other methodsAccording to North Carolina Wildlife Federation.
Fireworks displays can be a frightening experience for both wildlife and pets. Fireworks are linked to behavioral changes in sea lions and declines in bird colonies, according to a study published in the journal Last Year Pacific conservation biology.
“Fireworks cause short-term noise and light disturbances that cause distress to livestock, but while this may be manageable before and after the fireworks display, the impact on wildlife is likely to be much more extensive. “Yes,” said study lead author and co-investigator Bill Bateman. explained the professor in the Department of Molecular Life Sciences at Curtin University, based in Australia. He noted that the timing of large-scale events each year coincides with the migration and breeding movements of some species.
Fireworks are very loud and can produce 150 to 175 decibels of sound. damage human hearing. The group says noise pollution can lead to stress and disorientation for animals, which can cause them to run into roadways, oncoming traffic, or get lost. humane society. Fireworks are considered a threat and may cause birds of prey to abandon their nests. Animals may also accidentally eat firework debris.
Temperatures are expected to drop in January, but winds are expected to pick up in parts of the western United States, increasing the risk of fires. Forecasters in Los Angeles warned that significant fire weather conditions will develop in the county on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wildfires not only threaten human communities and produce dangerous smoke, they can also kill wildlife and destroy habitat. Fireworks start thousands of wildfires Every year.
“Instead of using fireworks, celebrate with fire-prevention measures like confetti and streamers.” national weather bureau he advised.
Of course, there are ways to mitigate many of these dangers; Drone displays come with their own risks.
Keep an appropriate distance from wild animals Dangerous fireworks can reduce the scale of such threats, as well as properly disposing of debris.
Firework bans and light shows could help address concerns. some fireworks, produces lower noise — but not without noise.
“The future of fireworks displays may lie in the use of safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as: droneenvironmentally friendly fireworks, and visible wavelength lasers for light shows,” Bateman said.
