Fireworks are a traditional way to celebrate July 4th, but as fun and enjoyable as they might be, they may be causing more damage than many people realize. Hazardous elements are used in fireworks for noise, as propellants and to form the display colors. Below is a list of a few common firework ingredients, their use, and what makes them so dangerous:
Toxic Element Fireworks Usage Toxic Effect of Fallout Dust & Fumes
Lead Nitrate/Dioxide/Chloride oxidizer Bioaccumulation; developmental danger for children and the unborn; may remain airborne for days; poisonous to plants and animals
Barium glittering greens Extremely poisonous, radioactive
Lithium blazing reds Slightly toxic
Rubidium purple colors Slightly radioactive; can replace calcium in body
Strontium blazing reds Can replace calcium in body; can be radioactive
Copper compounds blues Dioxin pollution
Aluminum brilliant whites Contact dermatitis
Ammonium Perchlorate propellant Can contaminate ground and surface waters; can disrupt thyroid functions
Cadmium firework colors Extremely toxic, carcinogenic; can bioaccumulate
Potassium Nitrate in black powder Toxic dusts, carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds
Sulfur Dioxide gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion Acid rain from sulphuric acid affects water sources, vegetation and causes property damage
The material released into the atmosphere is inhaled by humans and animals, and the debris and burning metals fall back to litter the area, contaminate aquatic ecosystems, and poison wildlife, eventually working their way up the food chain. The debris, which includes small plastic parts can also be ingested by waterfowl and fish.
Perchlorate used in fireworks particularly can find its way into soil and water, and concentrate in food sources. In 2005, according to the Government Accountability Office, 395 sites in 35 states had perchlorate levels above four parts per billion (ppb) which is a level of concern.
The EPA's National Research Lab sampled water from Wintersmith Lake in Oklahoma, before fireworks and for several days after events during July of 2004, 2005, 2006. Background levels of perchlorate in the lake averaged .04 µg/L. Within 14 hours of the fireworks displays, these levels rose 24–1028 times. The wide range in perchlorate concentrations was do to several factors, including firework quantity, oxidation of perchlorate, and wind direction and velocity. Perchlorate usually peaked at 1 day following the display and then gradually petered out after 20–80 days, probably due to microbial degradation.
A CDC study shows that the perchlorate exposures that the EPA once thought were safe can, in fact, threaten general health, including thyroid production and infant development. The political story is a long one, but currently Senator Barbara Boxer is pressing the EPA to issue a health advisory and to establish a drinking water standard that protects the public.
According to EPA, trace amounts of phosphorus are still in fireworks, and every bit added to a lake can influence water quality. Phosphorus accelerates eutrophication, which is the process that results in increased biomass, decreased lake clarity, decreased bottom oxygen, and increases the likelihood of cyanobacteria scum. Algal and cyanobacteria blooms caused by phosphorus introductions impact fisheries, drinking water supplies and impact the health of people who recreate in the waters as well as pets and any animal that drinks these waters.
NH’s DES ranks the damaging effect fireworks have as overwhelming, including impacting the odor and taste of drinking water. On the economic side, excessive algal and cyanobacteria growth due to phosphorus or firework contamination increases water treatment costs, degrades fishing and boating activities, and impacts tourism and property values. The cost of damage done to property, the litter and the effect upon both wildlife and human life is incalculable.
While work on cleaner fireworks is underway, how about a laser light show instead
Date published on web site:
08-15-2008
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