Sky lanterns are miniature hot air balloons crafted from paper with an open flame heat source. Released into the sky, they drift until their fuel depletes and they descend. While visually appealing, their uncontrolled flight and return to earth carry various environmental consequences.
Fire Hazards
The open flame within a sky lantern poses a considerable fire risk. Once released, these uncontrolled airborne objects can travel for miles, reaching heights over 1,000 feet and remaining aloft for up to twenty minutes. Their uncontrolled flight path means they can land on flammable materials, such as dry grass, crops, or buildings, potentially igniting fires.
Incidents highlight this danger, including a 2011 wildfire in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that burned over 800 acres, attributed to a sky lantern. In January 2020, a fire at Krefeld Zoo in Germany, caused by sky lanterns, resulted in the deaths of over 50 animals. These events underscore the potential for widespread damage to natural habitats, property, and human and animal life when these burning objects fall unpredictably.
Physical Debris and Ecosystem Harm
After the flame extinguishes, sky lanterns fall to the ground, contributing to litter and posing a threat to ecosystems. They are typically constructed from treated paper, bamboo, and metal wire frames. While paper may biodegrade, the metal wire frames can persist for years, taking decades to break down.
This debris presents hazards to wildlife and livestock. Animals can become entangled in wire frames, leading to severe injuries or death. Farm animals have suffered internal bleeding and death after ingesting wire fragments mixed into feed. Aquatic life is also at risk if lanterns land in water bodies, as marine animals may mistake the debris for food or become entangled.
Air Quality Concerns
Burning a sky lantern’s fuel cell and paper components releases soot and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These fine airborne particles contribute to localized air pollution.
While individual sky lanterns contribute minorly to large-scale air pollution compared to industrial or vehicular sources, they can still impact immediate air quality. The release of these pollutants can affect respiratory health nearby. Some lanterns may also release other chemicals depending on their materials and dyes.
Legal Restrictions and Safer Practices
Due to inherent environmental and safety risks, many regions and countries have implemented bans or restrictions on sky lanterns. For example, Australia has a permanent ban due to fire and burn risks. In the United States, at least 29 states prohibit their use, and the National Association of State Fire Marshals advocates for a nationwide ban. Many jurisdictions classify them under fireworks regulations due to their open flame and uncontrolled flight.
Given these concerns, environmentally friendly alternatives exist for celebrations and memorials that do not pose such risks. Options include releasing bubbles, which produce no waste. Planting trees or flowers offers a lasting, positive environmental impact. Utilizing LED lanterns, laser light shows, or projection mapping can create similar visual effects without the hazards of open flames or physical debris.