New Year's Eve: Only with fine dust and noise?!
Fireworks contributed more than feared to particulate matter pollution on New Year's Eve weekend - as well as causing losses to humans and animals. Is it time to introduce bans on the sale and use of pyrotechnics?
Fire brigades, doctors and environmental organisations have been calling for a ban on firecrackers on New Year's Eve for a long time, but so far they have not been able to get their way - with the exception of the last two Corona years. This is because on ordinary New Year's Eve, which is not restricted by infectious diseases, there are more than three times as many people injured than on an ordinary day: while in 2019 there were an average of 28 people injured every day, the number of those who had to be treated in emergency wards for burns or lost limbs on New Year's Eve shot up to 111 people per day. Fireworks are not only dangerous for humans - they are also dangerous for wildlife. Above all, the noise causes stress and panic.
Another consequence for health is the massive release of fine dust. One percent of the annual fine dust is produced on New Year's Eve - that is about 2050 tonnes of fine dust. For the very small particles of particulate matter, it is even two percent of the annual amount. Especially in large cities, PM10 values per hour of 1000 µg/m³ on New Year's Eve are not unusual - in comparison, the average PM10 concentration in German cities is about 18 µg/m³ per year. These will also be kept so low throughout the year due to numerous environmental zones. Since particulate matter produced by fireworks is a very local matter due to factors such as quantity and weather conditions, the introduction of temporary environmental zones, as already exists in France and Italy, would be a solution.
It is difficult to predict how high the fine dust pollution will be this year. For one thing, according to meteorologists, there will be neither wind nor rain to dispel the clouds of smoke. On the other hand, clear skies are predicted so that no cloud cover can prevent the smoke from dispersing.
There are alternatives to popping that are free of particulate matter: Streamers, sparklers, table fireworks and firecrackers filled with confetti and tinsel may not be spectacular for adults, but they still arouse enthusiasm in children. After all, "firecrackers" are supposed to drive away evil spirits.
Green-Zones wishes everyone a Happy New Year, whether they celebrate with fireworks or make do with firecrackers. Happy New Year!