Okay, Call Me a Party Pooper: Fourth of July Fireworks Are Not Benign
“Fireworks create a toxic fog of fine particulates, poisonous aerosols and heavy metals.”
It’s a cherished midsummer rite. And it’s just about two weeks away.
Ah, July 4th.
Parades. Picnics. Cookouts. Sports. Games. Concerts. Fun with family and friends. This year, it’s the two hundred and forty-sixth birthday of our nation!
Oh, and don’t forget the fireworks!
Then again, maybe we should forget the fireworks.
“Fireworks create a toxic fog of fine particulates, poisonous aerosols and heavy metals.”
What?
“Pollutants released by fireworks travel far from their origin. Several studies revealed that in mild weather, tagged heavy metals used in pyrotechnics traveled 100 km (62 miles) downwind over a two-day period.... Among the pollutants traced were: strontium, vanadium (V), potassium, titanium (Ti), barium, copper, lead, magnesium, aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) .”
Huh? Strontium? Vanadium? Barium? Lead?
“Despite the ephemeral nature of fireworks, the toxic chemicals they add to the environment are permanent, and every year, we add more to this toxic mix.”
Oooof.
“Further, hospital admissions for asthma and other breathing problems peak the day following a fireworks display.”
Ugh.
Excuse me for being a busybody (in addition to being a party pooper), but – lasers and computers now can produce some pretty doggone good light shows. And, dare I say, zero pollution (apart from the generation of electricity).
In short – let’s take our celebrations of the Fourth out of the eighteenth century and move them into the twenty-first. It’ll be better for the planet – and, for that matter, better for the population.
With that, I’m done (for now, anyway) with being a party pooper. Please do enjoy your Fourth.
Source:
Background:
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/what-minerals-produce-colors-fireworks
https://www.osha.gov/pyrotechnics/display