New Delhi: Fireworks might dazzle with their brilliant displays, but a new study reveals they are also among the top contributors to air pollution. The research, conducted by a team from Brigham Young University (BYU) in the US, highlights the significant environmental impact of fireworks in Utah’s Wasatch Front region.
The study found that fireworks are one of the three largest sources of particulate pollution in the region. Particularly concerning are the PM2.5 pollutants, which are under 2.5 microns in size a fraction of the width of a human hair. These tiny particles are especially dangerous as they can be easily inhaled, posing serious health risks.
Samples collected from 2019 to 2021 were analyzed for metal traces to pinpoint the sources of pollution. Fireworks were found to contribute high levels of barium and copper, while winter inversions where shifts in air temperature trap pollutants added arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium to the mix.
“We know we’re breathing in these particles that are unhealthy during firework events, dust storms, or winter inversions,” says Greg Carling, a geologist at BYU. “But what’s actually in the particulate matter? No one really knew before this study.”
Pollution Peaks
The study identified that pollution peaks in January and July, with July likely associated with Independence Day celebrations. Despite the fire risks leading to a ban on fireworks in the region, exceptions are made for two dates in July and New Year’s Eve.
Health Implications
While the precise health risks from fireworks and air pollution are challenging to quantify, the impact is undoubtedly negative. Air pollution has been linked to conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease. “Metals are really good at moving around from the atmosphere into the soil, into the water and into our food,” Carling notes. “And they’re persistent, meaning that they don’t really go away they just keep cycling through the system.”
The researchers advocate for the public to forgo personal firework shows and instead participate in municipal gatherings. They also recommend avoiding outdoor activities during pollution peaks. Additionally, they call for increased awareness of the potential dangers at the government level.
“It’s great when research leads toward legislation that can help improve things,” says Carling. “Sometimes it’s just a paper that gets published and a few scientists read it. But other times, it gets picked up and used to create real solutions.”
While fireworks continue to be a symbol of celebration, this study published in Applied Geochemistry urges consideration of their environmental and health impacts. As dazzling as they are, the hidden costs of fireworks underscore the need for more sustainable and less harmful alternatives.
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