While fireworks offer a momentary spectacle, their environmental consequences are extensive. Their combustion releases various substances into the air, water, and soil, impacting ecosystems and living organisms.
Chemical Contaminants in Air, Water, and Soil
Fireworks propel a complex mixture of chemicals into the atmosphere. The combustion releases fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), alongside gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, all of which contribute to air pollution and can exacerbate respiratory issues. The distinct colors in fireworks are produced by various heavy metals: copper for blue, strontium or lithium for red, and barium for green or white. These metallic compounds, including aluminum, lead, and cadmium, become airborne during the display and contribute to toxic air pollution.
Airborne particles and unburnt residues eventually settle, contaminating water bodies and soil. Perchlorates, strong oxidizers used in fireworks, can dissolve in water, posing risks to aquatic life and potentially affecting thyroid function in animals. Elevated concentrations of perchlorate have been found in surface water and groundwater near fireworks display sites. When these chemicals land on soil, they can lead to contamination with heavy metals and other substances, potentially affecting soil microorganisms and plant life.
Noise Disruption
Fireworks produce loud, sudden noises that can reach significant decibel levels, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended safe thresholds. For adults, exposure to sounds over 140 decibels can cause hearing damage, while for children, the limit is 120 decibels. Proximity to the explosion increases the risk of hearing impairment.
These intense sound levels can have immediate effects on humans. Individuals with sensory sensitivities, infants, and the elderly can experience distress. The unpredictable nature of fireworks can also trigger stress and anxiety, particularly for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Domestic animals, such as pets, are highly sensitive to loud noises and bright flashes due to their acute hearing. The noise can induce fear, causing pets to hide, pace, vocalize excessively, or attempt to escape, sometimes leading to them becoming lost.
Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems
The loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks disorient and frighten wild animals. Birds, deer, and other wildlife may exhibit increased heart rates, flight responses, and disrupted behavioral patterns, including feeding and mating. A study tracking geese in Europe found that on New Year’s Eve, birds flew up to 500 km more than on nights without fireworks and had reduced sleep. Some birds may abandon their nests, leaving young vulnerable, or collide with objects due to disorientation.
Fireworks also pose a significant fire hazard, especially in dry conditions. They can ignite wildfires, leading to the destruction of natural habitats and displacement of wildlife. These fires release additional air pollutants and cause long-term ecological damage. The chemical runoff and debris from fireworks also affect aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metals and perchlorates settling in lakes, rivers, and oceans can harm fish and invertebrates, disrupting the balance of these environments.
Physical Debris and Litter
After a fireworks display, physical debris and litter are left behind. These non-biodegradable components include plastic, cardboard, paper, and metal casings. This waste pollutes landscapes, accumulating in parks, streets, and beaches. The debris can clog storm drains, contributing to localized flooding and further spreading chemical contaminants. Animals may ingest these materials, leading to injury, illness, or death.