The Hidden Toll of Independence Day

On the 4th of July, Americans participate in multiple activities, the most common being large family gatherings, barbecue parties, and grandiose fireworks celebrations. As the 4th of July is a federal holiday, many Americans plan vacations to see special fireworks shows.

Keep Your Independence Day Fireworks Celebration Sustainable and Safe

But the figures show that celebrations in the form of fireworks shows may have an impact on the environment and safety. The captivating and colorful fireworks shows emit around 94.3 kilotons, or over 200 pounds, of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

) caused by a short firework show usually effervesces quickly, but the fireworks used for the Fourth of July celebrations may not be the same. Because fireworks for the Fourth of July operate on a more grandiose scale.

The pollution from these magnificent illuminations in the sky can not only cause pollution levels to suddenly spike – but to stay at an alarming level for several days afterward. Effects on air quality can also be affected by fireworks.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July also have the potential to impact one’s health. The smoke from fireworks contains particulate matter, such as strontium, barium, and lead, that can provoke asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Potential impact of fireworks on respiratory health

Go to source).

Fireworks have been reported to cause approximately 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage.

Between 2002 and 2017, an average of 7.25 people died every year as a result of fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers in the U.S. Not to mention, fireworks can be triggering for veterans with PTSD, and they can be terrifying for dogs too.

There is a warning issued against using fireworks in the West due to increased fire risks associated with drought. Many western cities, like Flagstaff, Arizona, have banned or limited firework use for the same reasons.

This year, for Fourth of July celebrations, many cities have planned to embrace alternative options for fireworks, due to the risk of harmful effects. Many have opted for a free laser light show with a stunning display of multi-colored lights syncing to fun music.

The shift from traditional fireworks to a laser light show (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Your guide to Fourth of July fireworks – plus laser and drone shows – around Colorado

Go to source) was the responsible action to take due to the extreme fire risk associated with the dry and hot conditions in the northland. It is extremely important to have a safe celebration and be fire aware.

Some other cities, like Boulder, Colorado, are choosing to use drones for their festive displays. This was not an easy decision. It was based on several factors, including increased fire danger fueled by climate change.

References:

1. Impact of 4th of July Fireworks on Spatiotemporal PM2.5 Concentrations in California Based on the PurpleAir Sensor Network: Implications for Policy and Environmental Justice – (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/11/5735)
2. Potential impact of fireworks on respiratory health – (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378846/)
3. Your guide to Fourth of July fireworks – plus laser and drone shows – around Colorado – (https://www.cpr.org/2023/06/28/colorado-free-fourth-of-july-firework-shows/)

Source: Medindia