Beyond the Bang: Rethinking Fireworks for a Cleaner Sky

Fireworks have been a patriotic staples for people across continents, whether it be for July 4th, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and New Year's Eve, amongst countless other holidays. In fact, according to the Americans Pyrotechnics Associations, Americans have used "246.5 million pounds" in just 2023 alone. However, the fumes and debris from fireworks can have devastating impacts on our skies, animals, nature, and ourselves.

Breaking down the Effects

Fireworks are typically made up of an oxidizer, fuel source, metal bits that are colorized, a binder, and usually black powder. These components further are produced with toxic chemicals such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, potassium chloride, and potassium perchlorate. The mass accumulation of fumes and waste that come from neighborhoods and cities setting fireworks off can lead to unseen effects on the world around us.

• Air Pollution:

  
  

  When we see the smoke lingering the air from a holiday party, that's only a glimpse of how prominent it's presence is in our skies. Not only does it release heavy metals and volatile organic compounds into the air, but it also contributes to the factors that lead to stars becoming less visible from the night sky. This makes stargazing and telescope observations harder to conduct.

• Poisoning Our Flora:

  
  

  The same toxins that make up the chemical composition from a firework seep into our soil upon explosion, tainting waterways and altering soil nutrient composition. Additionally the packaging that most fireworks are wrapped can break down into micro-plastics, harming any animals that consume it.

• Migration and breeding seasons: When holidays such as July 4th intersect with the migration and breeding seasons of many birds, the cracking noise can result in many birds fleeing their habitats and leaving their young behind out of fear. According to the New York Times, "n Beebe, Ark., in 2011 and 2012, thousands of blackbirds died after New Year’s after being startled by fireworks. In 2022, fireworks in Taylor, Texas, caused nesting egrets to scatter, leading several to strike power transformers." These effects are not just short-term, but they can lead to the death and behavior alteration of many birds.

My take

Firework displays are a cultural aspect of many festivals and holidays. They are a symbol of tradition in celebration, which is why there are considerations to be made while trying of regulate firework use.

Flagstaff, Arizona, became the first dark sky city, which allows their observatories to easily see their stars. However this commitment also enforces a ban on fireworks to reduce the air pollution in their city and prevent wildfires from occurring.

Flagstaff’s approach highlights the challenges cities face when balancing cultural traditions with environmental stewardship. Other communities, especially those near sensitive ecosystems or with a focus on scientific research, may consider similar regulations. The goal is to honor tradition while prioritizing public safety and environmental health.

I personally think led light displays are a convenient and safer alternative to firework displays. They are not a particularly new method as cities such as Flagstaff, Amarillo, and Salt Lake City (amongst others) have used LED drone shows for city-wide celebrations. This alternative minimizes light pollution, supporting dark sky initiatives and benefiting both the community and scientific research. Unlike traditional fireworks, LED and drone shows do not emit particulate matter or chemicals into the air, making them a cleaner option for the environment.

As more cities recognize the need to balance celebration with responsibility, I hope to see continued innovation in public festivities. Embracing modern technology like LED and drone displays allows communities to celebrate safely while respecting the environment and local regulations. This approach not only preserves cherished traditions but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability for future generations.

Sources

• https://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/FactsandFigures/2024/Fireworks%20Consump.%20Figures%202000-2023.pdf

• https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/the-science-of-fireworks

• https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/chemistry-behind-fireworks

• https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-fireworks/#:~:text=Perchlorate%2C%20a%20chemical%20compound%2C%20is,can%20also%20affect%20fish%20development.

• https://time.com/7299987/july-4-fireworks-environmental-impact/#:~:text=Airborne%20contaminants%20will%20ultimately%20settle,11%20sites%20in%20that%20vicinity.

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-discover-flagstaff-the-worlds-first-international-dark-sky-city#:~:text=In%20Flagstaff%2C%20the%20skies%20are,to%20the%20historic%20Route%2066.

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