Share and Voice: Fireworks

Are Fireworks Really Dangerous?
On various occasions such as 4th of July and New Years, fireworks have been a continuing trend for many decades. I doubt anyone even considers that these fireworks have a negative impact on the environment. Fireworks include many harmful chemicals that affect the environment. Some of these chemicals include: Zinc, Titanium, Strontium, Sulfur, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Oxygen, Magnesium, Lithium, Iron, Copper, Chlorine, Carbon, Calcium, Barium, Antimony, and Aluminum. These chemicals are released through the smoke of the fireworks.

Noise Pollution:
Noise pollution is another factor when dealing with fireworks. People with sensitive hearing are affected by the loud noises that go along with fireworks. It also startles animals in the surrounding area.

Water Pollution:
Fireworks fallout can contaminate water supplies and residue on the ground can be carried away by rain and end up in our lakes, rivers, or oceans. Fish and other animals tend to eat what they see in the water even if it's contaminants. I heard of a story of someone who lit fireworks and threw them in the water. Fish immediately swam to the lit firework and ate it causing the fish to explode. Fines were later given to the individuals were involved.

Air Pollution:
Smoke from fireworks combustion may contain a mixture of sulfur-coal compounds, traces of heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals or gases. The picture shown above represents the chemical combination used to form fireworks. These chemicals are floating in the air causing us to breathe in these chemicals.

Hopefully this year when you're celebrating holidays, you think twice about what you're doing to the environment before you purchase fireworks.

For more information on alternatives, what each chemical represents, and more, check out these links! http://chemistry.about.com/b/2008/06/06/elements-in-fireworks.htm
http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/falls/9200/toxic_fireworks.html