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Are fireworks bad for the environment? |
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by Malika Rustamova | 09-01-2021 17:47
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Everyone's favorite holiday, New Year, has recently passed. What do you think is common in its celebration in many countries of the world, except for a family feast, a Christmas tree, presents, Santa Claus? That's right, fireworks! Thousands of bright lights cover the whole sky. This combination of beautiful multi-colored flames and flickering lights is indescribably stunning. However, I noticed that on the morning after the holidays, the sky is covered with smog, and the air is not so clean. After doing some research, I concluded that fireworks propel a cocktail of chemicals into the atmosphere, many of which can harm both people and the environment. Some of the toxins in fireworks never are able to fully decompose and can stay in the environment for decades, continuously poising the air around them. The colors of fireworks are the result of chemistry and physics made visible. Specifically, fireworks’ colors depend upon solid metal salts and chemical explosives that create colors when heated to the correct temperatures. Different metal compounds give different colors. For example, lithium (Li) salts produce pink, sodium (Na) salts make yellow or orange, copper (Cu) and barium (Ba) salts generate green or blue, and calcium (Ca) or strontium (Sr) give red. These radioactive and poisonous elements may increase the risk of cancer in people. Although the heavy metals in fireworks experience a temporary physical change, the metal salts and explosives in the fireworks undergo chemical changes by combining with oxygen (combustion). This chemical reaction releases smoke and gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen, and these are some of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. The air pollution caused by firecrackers can also cause various health problems, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, common cold, pneumonia, laryngitis, etc. It can also aggravate all people's respiratory health problems. Fireworks can also pollute public water supply systems, leaving the water full of the same harmful chemicals that are fluttering through the air. Not only does this mean that you might be drinking those chemicals, but our wildlife will also consume the contaminants. Also, it can lead to life-threatening injuries to pets and birds. Are minutes of pleasure worth such risk? There are many efforts people are taking to help counteract the harmful effects of fireworks on a large and small scale. For example, many small shows are using other methods of entertainment and celebration other than fireworks. Methods such as lasers, hot air balloons, or other simple celebration traditions, like taking a hike or staying at home with great music and conversation are great ways to help save the environment while still enjoying the evening. Sources: https://images.app.goo.gl/SrUPr1RfPGG7wTfL6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2019/12/31/festive-fireworks-create-harmful-pall-of-pollution/?sh=54e3ce228535 https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/are-fireworks-bad-for-the-environment/
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7 Comments
Greetings malika
I hope you are doing well
Thank you so much for this report
Keep writing
Green cheers
Regards
Asmita Gaire
Posted 13-02-2021 15:39
Hi Malika!
You definitely shared a very informative post regarding the fireworks. I used to love it so much but the past 2 years, I don't find it joyful. Yet it was very interesting to know more about it. Keep sharing.
Green cheers,
Vazira.
Posted 18-01-2021 04:58
Hello Malika!
It's your SJ mentor.
I hope you are doing well.
Thank you for writing concerns about the harmful effects of fireworks.
When I was young, I loved fireworks.
At that time, I simply fell in love with the beauty because I didn't know how the flames formed.
Until I know that sudden oxidation of metal can cause sparks and air pollution.
There are times when many fireworks are used to raise the mood at festivals and events.
However, we must keep in mind that these acts can harm not only environmental pollution but also the biorhythm of wildlife animals.
The behavior, which is also loud and bright for humans, is usually done at night, which can harm sleeping creatures
Now it's time to think about the environment too.
Keep writing!
Best regards,
SJ mentor.
Posted 18-01-2021 03:48
Hello Malika,
this is your mentor WooJoo.
Warm greetings from South Korea.
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the use of fireworks.
In the case of South Korea, we used to held fireworks festival every year that gathered a lot of people, including the tourists.
This year, due to the pandemic everything was cancelled, and for the New Year as well.
These festivals are amazing, but I always wondered about the wastes and pollution.
Yes, fireworks are amazing at the moment, but like you said, they leave smokes and toxic chemicals at the end, that even can harm our health.
I am sure that we can find other things to replace the fireworks that we can use for festivals and celebrations.
Keep sharing
Regards,
WooJoo
Posted 12-01-2021 21:15
Thanks for sharing about fireworks and their negative impact on environment. Fireworks are majorly imported in Nepal during festival season. And have created air pollution and sound pollution as well as. Green cheers!
Posted 11-01-2021 00:15
Greetings from Nepal
Thank you for sharing details about fireworks and their negative impact on environment. We celebrate with fireworks to enjoy but we do not think about it's negative impact on environment and human health. So celebration can be done with other ways.
Regards
Dolma
Posted 10-01-2021 18:02
Hello Mallika
thanks for sharing your views regarding celebration of new year
Keep sharing
Warm Regards ,
Shobha
Posted 10-01-2021 00:09