Fireworks are an integral part of many celebrations and are loved by people all over the world. However, a new study from New York has revealed alarming findings about fireworks and particulate pollution that could cast a shadow over the festivities.
The New York research team investigated the effects of a major annual fireworks display on Independence Day and found that particulate pollution in the air is significantly higher than previously assumed. Compared to a forest fire in Canada, which had made headlines about a month earlier, the particle concentration during the fireworks display was many times higher. While the forest fire caused a pollution level of 460 micrograms per cubic meter of air, the fine dust pollution from the fireworks rose to up to 3,000 micrograms in the immediate vicinity of the spectacle.
It is particularly worrying that the poor air quality in Manhattan persisted for several hours. This could have a serious impact on the health of people who attended the fireworks display or lived nearby. To prevent damage to health, the researchers therefore recommend wearing breathing masks during fireworks displays.
The new findings shed a critical light on the effects of fireworks on air quality and should stimulate discussion. Is it really necessary to put the health of the population at risk for a few minutes of spectacular light displays? Shouldn't alternative, more environmentally friendly ways of organizing these celebrations be considered?
Perhaps this study will help to raise awareness of the impact of fireworks on air quality and stimulate a dialog about how such celebrations can be made more environmentally friendly in the future.