Fireworks: show does not compensate for damage
It's not just the noise of fireworks that can harm the environment and the health of animals and people
Edited and resized image of Julie Tupas is available on Unsplash
The burning of fireworks is a traditional custom in many countries. Although this practice is appreciated by some people (especially during festive seasons) it can cause irreversible damage to animals, the environment and people, and can be understood as a form of air and noise pollution (to learn more about this topic read the article: "Pollution sound: what it is and how to avoid it"). Much is said about the damage caused by the noise of fireworks. But what not everyone realizes is that, in addition to noise pollution, burning fireworks emits pollutant compounds into the atmosphere, which also characterizes it as a form of air pollution. To learn more about this topic, take a look at the article: "What is air pollution? Know causes and types".
Story
The fireworks were taken to Europe by the Arabs, starting to be used in Italy, at the end of the 14th century, in civic and/or religious festivities. Since then, there have been reports of its use for various purposes, especially during periods of celebration.
Brazil
In Brazil - the second largest producer of fireworks in the world - fireworks are classified into four categories (A, B, C and D), according to the amount of gunpowder, which is reflected in the level of the explosion (strong sound). Only Type A does not produce a pop, which is probably why it is not so popular with consumers.
The turn of the year, Christmas and other Catholic festivities in June (especially in Bahia) are the times when the use of fireworks is more intense. During these periods, admissions to hospitals caused by accidents resulting from the burning of fireworks are more frequent.
Animals
The main problems caused to animals as a result of the noise of fireworks are behavioral reactions such as stress and anxiety. There are cases that resolve only with the use of sedatives or can lead to physical damage and even death.
However, as they are most often used at night, the effects caused to animals (especially wild ones) are difficult to be perceived and quantified, which indicates that the harmful impacts of this activity on animals are underreported.
Noise, associated with fear, triggers physiological stress responses, through activation of the neuroendocrine system, which results in a fight-or-flight response, observed through increased heart rate, peripheral vasoconstriction, pupil dilation, piloerection and changes in glucose metabolism.
The scared animal tries to get away from the noise by trying to hide in or under furniture or tight spaces; may try to run out of the window, dig holes, become aggressive; have excessive salivation, wheezing, temporary diarrhea; urinating or defecating involuntarily. Birds can abandon their nest in flight. During the attempt to escape the noise caused by fireworks, accidents such as being run over, falls, collisions, epileptic seizures, disorientation, deafness, heart attack (especially in birds) or the disappearance of the animal may occur, which can travel long distances in a state of panic and not being able to return to their place of origin.
Although fireworks burning is sporadic, concern about damage to animals is legitimate, as the fear caused by the noise of fireworks can trigger widespread fears for other noises of similar types, such as the sound of thunder.
People
In humans, burning fireworks can cause amputation of limbs, stress for children, discomfort for people in hospital beds, death, epileptic seizures, bewilderment, deafness and heart attack.
The noise of fireworks is especially harmful to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who can be extremely upset.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, more than 7,000 people suffered injuries from the use of fireworks in the period from 2007 to 2017; being 70% burns; 20% injuries with lacerations and cuts; and 10% upper limb amputations, corneal injuries, hearing damage and loss of vision and hearing. In the same period, 96 deaths were registered throughout Brazil.
Atmosphere
A study in India looked at air pollution caused by burning fireworks. According to the study, the activity can cause intense air contamination in the short term. In the study, the concentration of atmospheric contaminants such as SPM (Suspended Particles) was monitored for six consecutive days in Salkia, a densely populated area near Calcutta, India. The results showed that, after the completion of the fireworks burning, the level of particles was up to 7.16% higher for a given pollutant. According to the study, this and other increases in other types of pollutants emitted by the burning of fireworks have a significant impact on the health of the region's inhabitants. Through a simulation, the relative risk index of mortality and morbidity in exposed individuals was high. And the conclusion showed that, to reduce the risk of harm to human health, it is necessary to have control over the practice of burning fireworks.
The journal Nature published a study that points out the burning of fireworks during the festivities in Delhi, India, as a significant source of ozone (secondary air pollutant) emission into the atmosphere.
Prohibition
Some Brazilian cities prohibit the use of fireworks that produce noise. Others, however, only have unapproved projects on banning noisy fireworks.
However, it is noteworthy that it is not only the noise of fireworks that causes major socio-environmental damage, the burning itself emits significant pollutants. This fact draws attention to the need for a discussion regarding the complete ban on the recreational use of fireworks as a whole, not just those that produce noise.
