Why is nobody talking about fireworks' damage to the environment?

From Greta Thunberg to the government’s promises for all electric cars by 2030, there has been a significant shift in attitude about climate change from “it’s a bit of an issue” to “detrimental crisis”. And rightly so; the scientists' 12 year warning seemed to be a wake up call for everyone that the rate that things were going was not okay.

We now know that fast fashion is bad, animal agriculture is unsustainable and large companies exploit the environment for their own profit. The answer? Use less. Buy less. Don’t give them the benefit through financial power.

This is all discussed in great detail through extensive online articles and social media posts, but as the new year rolls around, one has to wonder, what is the deal with firework displays.

These flaming balls of chemicals and gas surely cannot be good for the environment, I thought. And funnily enough, I was correct.

Not only is the noise pollution distressing for some people (as well as our furry friends), the vivid colours from fireworks contain metallic compounds which causes substantial air pollution. The chemicals such as barium and aluminium can linger in the air for hours or potentially days after a display.

Smoke and particulate matter produced by fireworks also affect local air quality. One study found that strontium levels in the air increased 120 times, magnesium 22 times, barium 12 times, potassium 11 times, and copper (Cu) 6 times after a one hour firework display. (ref)

Not only this, but all of these chlorates and chemicals fall to the ground and find their way into the soil and our water systems.

Pollutants also end up in nearby waters, with perchlorate pollutants found in firework oxidisers that have been seen in a nearby lake 14 hours after fireworks were set off. (ref)

These fine particles linger in the air for hours and maybe even days after a display and this could be damaging not only to the environment, but to people’s health. According to the EPA, exposure to these fine particles has been linked to health effects such as coughing, asthma attacks and even heart attacks.

So with this evidence showing us the damage of fireworks, why are we continuing to use fireworks guilt-free? New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Bonfire Night, Fourth of July - the list of holidays centred around firework displays is endless. It’s time to make a change.

With New Year’s just around the corner, there has been little discussion in the media over the damage of fireworks. And, as we can see, there is a lot to be said.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate without fireworks, community drone shows or laser light shows could be an alternative. Granted, there is a lot of electricity needed but at least it causes less pollution.

Activities such as street parties (post COVID, of course), cycling, hiking could replace the need for these fireworks shows altogether.

In light of this knowledge, are fireworks really worth the environmental, not to mention financial and potential health damage that it causes?