Are fireworks bad for the environment?

Does our annual national obsession with fireworks have a dark side? With the 4th of July approaching, we thought it was worth exploring fireworks and their environmental impact. While these oohs, aahs and booms are as embedded in the 4th of July as BBQs and parades, they come with some unwanted side effects: Think air and noise pollution and the chance of igniting wildfires. The risk of life and limb from fireworks is well-covered, but we feel the environmental impact is less known. As earth.org puts it, fireworks “produce two results: Short-lived entertainment and toxic atmospheric pollutants.” While we truly don’t want to rain on your parade (pun likely intended!), we thought it would be interesting to learn a little bit more about the full impact of fireworks as we approach the holiday.

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How do fireworks impact our environment?

Fireworks contain ingredients that become airborne pollutants. They can also leave trace chemicals in the ground where the explosion occurs. The main ingredients of fireworks are gunpowder and a host of different minerals which vary from firework to firework as they are the main ingredient to produce various colors. (See infographic below from Compound Interest.)  Fireworks components do not just disappear after combustion –  they stay in the air as the smoke we see, smell, and taste. Much like issues experienced with the recent Canadian wildfires, fireworks create smoke and particulate matter. This can include pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and metal salts such as aluminum, cadmium and more. Further, consumer demand for fireworks with unique colors and louder explosions have resulted in a more varied use of metals like nickel and lead salt and other chemicals like chlorine and chromium. All of these pollutants can create health issues, including aggravating asthma, bronchitis and lung disease and has even been correlated with increased risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias.(1) (2)   

The ingredients in fireworks can also be difficult to regulate, as they are made all over the world, distributed through irregular channels and subject to different laws in each state. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates large, commercial displays. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued guidance for consumer fireworks usage, mainly from a safety perspective. However it is clear from many neighborhood displays, that the desire to have loud and colorful fireworks seem to outweigh these recommendations.

Fireworks can cause fires. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that approximately 18,500 fires were started by fireworks each year. Areas experiencing drought are at greater risk of these fires becoming out-of-control wildfires.     

Fireworks can be troublingly loud. Those suffering from PTSD, as well as domestic pets and wildlife are impacted by the noise and flashes of fireworks. Dog and cat owners may recognize the anxiety that fireworks create for their furry friends. But even wild animals have been shown to feel disrupted by the sound and light display of fireworks, affecting flight, breeding and feeding behaviors.  

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Actions You Can Take

Fireworks are truly embedded in the identity of Independence Day, but perhaps we can reduce the amount of fireworks combusted in our own environment. Instead of the cost and risk of your own show, rely on the amazing annual display put on by Glen Ellyn or many other local municipalities. We can also raise the awareness of the impact of fireworks on the environment by sharing this newsletter. Lastly, we can seek alternative ways to celebrate our independence such as choosing to attend drone shows which are starting to take the place of traditional fireworks displays in some communities. Let's celebrate our independence in ways that are safe for us and our environment!