If you didn’t get to check out any fireworks this past fourth, don’t feel like a bad American. Tell people it’s not because you passed out, but because you are way to earth-friendly to engage in activities that negatively impact the environment. For those who could not tear themselves away from the big sky show, Eco-Rooted is not about to get on your case, we just want to greenwash your brain with a little information about night lights.
Fireworks might be a cheap thrill, but they also release harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and ozone that are responsible for air pollution and ozone depletion. Although July 4th is only one day a year, the single day significantly contributes to the year’s gas emissions that account for poor air-quality. The Environmental Protection Agency is allowed to exclude July 4th when calculating a city’s air-quality because it’s considered an “exceptional event” by local and state laws. By omitting perhaps the most harmful day for air pollution, various city air-quality rankings come across much better than they actually are.
When the show is done, the remaining eerie and smoky clouds are vestiges of damaging gases, shards of metal and blasts of raw materials. Not only does the atmosphere suffer from such detrimental explosions, but the ground is littered with heavy metals after the event. In addition, chemicals from firework fallout can also end up in our lakes, rivers, or oceans leading to water contamination. Here is a list of the dangerous materials used in fireworks to evoke color effects along with their destructive results.
Toxic Element-Fireworks Usage-Toxic Effect of Fallout Dust & Fumes
Aluminum- brilliant whites- Contact dermatitis, bioaccumulation
Antimony sulfide- glitter effects- Toxic smoke, possible carcinogen
Barium Nitrate- glittering greens- Poisonous, possible radioactive fallout.
Lithium compounds- blazing reds- Toxic and irritating fumes when burned
Nitric oxide- fireworks byproduct- Toxic by inhalation, free radical that can cause degenerative disease
Nitrogen dioxide- fireworks byproduct- Highly toxic by inhalation
Ozone- fireworks byproduct- Greenhouse gas that attacks and irritates the lungs
Sulfur Dioxide- gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion- Acid rain from sulphuric acid affects water sources, vegetation & causes property damage
Just because July 4th is a special cultural tradition does not mean it should be exempt from issues regarding climate change and air pollution. There are some ways we can enforce safer fireworks, such as using air-launch technology instead of gunpowder (an invention that dates back before the American Revolution itself - we don’t need to be that nostalgic) and low-smoke techniques that produce less toxic elements. Fireworks will never be a friend of the environment, but for now, all we can do is become knowledgeable of the dangers and help spread awareness!
Best,
Brittany Lawrence
Eco-Rooted Writer
For more information about alternatives and firework research visit:
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