Ill effects of Fireworks:

Fireworks fascinate and entertain many people. A large fireworks show creates an exuberant
mood and adds extra glow to any anniversary. A modest family fireworks mark the beginning
of a new year. At the same time, one could wonder about what impact fireworks has on the
environment. All human activity affects the environment, and there should always be a
balance between the positive and negative effects of any given activity. In this paper we’ve
gathered facts about the substances that can be found in fireworks, what function they have
and what kind of impact they have on the environment.
WHAT DOES FIREWORK CONTAIN?

The propellant in firework is usually black powder, in pure form or in combination with other
substances. Black powder consists of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur. The white smoke
formed by firing fireworks consists largely of water vapor. The smoke occurs because
combustion of black powder generates large amounts of very small particles that serve as
condensation nuclei for any water vapor present in the air. These particles include potassium
sulfate and pure sulfur.

To create the different colors associated with fireworks, various metals and metal salts are
combusted into corresponding metal oxides. Different metals give different colors. Celebrate
Going Green and Contribute to Saving the Planet

By pointing out the major impacts that fireworks have on our environment, this article will
hopefully inspire/encourage people to celebrate going green, thus resulting in a healthier
environment and cleaner air. Listed below are the major environmental impacts that
fireworks have on our environment.

Air and Noise Pollution through Firecrackers

"Say 'No' to Fire crackers and 'Yes' to life!"

For most people lighting of firecrackers is the highlight of any celebration (New Year, Fourth
of July, Diwali, Guy Fawkes, weddings, sports ceremonies, and other joyous celebrations).
The brighter the sparkles and louder the noise, the greater the thrill. However, in our
increasingly populated and polluted cities, the temporary joy of watching fireworks is soon
replaced by the intense air pollution caused by their toxins. The poisonous substances used in
the firecrackers release toxic gases that are harmful to the health of all living beings. The high
level of noise generated by the crackers also causes immense trauma to the ailing, the very
young, the very old, birds, animals, and the environment as a whole. Another relevant factor
which few realise is that the firecrackers are mostly made by very young children. Since the
substances being handled are extremely toxic the mortality rate among these child-labourers
is extremely high.
Harmful effects of Chemicals used in crackers
An analysis of crackers and the harmful effects that each of its chemicals contributes to are
listed:
The Chemical and its Impact
Copper - Irritation of respiratory tract
Cadmium - Anemia and damage to kidney
Lead - Affects the nervous system
Magnesium - Its dust and fumes cause metal fume fever
Sodium - Reacts violently with moisture and can attack the skin
Zinc - Leads to vomiting
Nitrate - Could lead to mental impairment
Nitrite - Could lead to a coma Noise

Pollution caused by Fire Crackers

The law bans crackers that make a noise of more than 125 decibels at four metres distance
from the point of bursting. Listed below are the hazards posed by excessive noise pollution
caused by crackers:
• Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleeping disturbances.
• Sudden exposure to loud noise could cause temporary deafness or permanent relative
deafness.
Excessive Consumerism
An indirect but equally significant impact of fireworks on nature is due to the increased
consumption. Advertisements and hoardings scream out to people offerings sales
extravaganzas, bargains, and discounts thereby encouraging consumers to buy more and
more! How does this increased consumption affect Nature? A point to realize is that all man-
made items are made from materials that are sourced from nature. Whether it plastic, metal,
paper, or cloth - all these raw materials come directly from nature.
Sources that cannot regenerate - such as fossil fuels and metal ores – are being depleted day
by day and will eventually run out. Depletion of non-renewable natural resources is one of
the most significant impacts of consumerism. For example, the gold you buy is coming from
a gold mine that is not only depleting the gold resources of the earth, but in the process of
mining is probably ruining several ecosystems.
Something that most people do not factor in is where do all the things we throw away go
finally? Solid waste created by human beings, which is non-biodegradable (does not easily
decompose), has to be filled into holes dug up in the ground. These 'landfills' as they are
called may exist for centuries without completely getting integrated into the soil. The plastic
toys that are thrown away now, may exist in a landfill for several generations.

Five Principles of Nature conservation

To be able to conserve our natural environment it is important to follow the following
principles:
1. Reduce the amount of toxic or non-degradable things that cause harm to the environment.
2. Reuse items we have in different forms until we have absolutely no use for them (eg.
plastic bags, plastic cups, plates, utensils etc).
3. Recycle items that are no longer functional.
4. Rethink the choices we make when deciding to buy something.
5. Refuse things that we have no need for.

High Energy Consumption

Elaborately planned festivities put a considerably heavy load on electrical energy sources that
are already overloaded. The use of electric lights to adorn homes, business establishments,
monuments and roads requires a huge amount of electricity. The use of lamps or lanterns is a
possible alternative to electric lights - even though it does use oil, the duration of the lamps is
shorter and a lot of electrical current/ energy is saved.
Eco sensitive Initiatives to contribute to a greener, purer environment
For traditional celebrations different cultural groups should reinterpret their rituals and
traditions to become more sensitive to nature. Going green now will ensure that we foster a
healthier, more abundant earth for future generations to benefit from.
Harmful Effects of Crackers & Fireworks

i) The SPM (suspended particulate matter) levels rise to a large extent during Diwali.
It can cause throat, nose & eye related problems which can later develop into adverse health
hazards.
It can lead to headaches & reduced mental acuity when it reaches the level of 100 ppm.
It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous system
disorders.
It can aggravate problem for people suffering from cold, allergies or coughs and can also
cause congestion of throat & chest.

ii) Increase amount of noise has harmful effects on animals as well as humans. Standard
decibel level for humans is 60 dB.
Increase in the decibel level can lead to:
Restlessness
Temporary or Permanent Hearing Loss
Fidgetiness
High Blood Pressure
Anger
Heart Attack
Sleep Disturbance
Impulsiveness
Can lead to withdrawal behaviour or hyperactivity in pregnant women, children & those
suffering from respiratory problems.

iii) Fireworks can also cause health problems like:

Chronic bronchitis
Common Cold
Allergic Bronchitis
Bronchial Asthma
Sinusitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)
Ephysema
Rhinitis
Pneumonia
Laryngitis
iv) It results in smog which can reduce visibility thereby leading to accidents as well as is
toxic if inhaled.
- It is said that one big firecracker like "1000 walas" and "hydrogen bombs" can produce up
to 250 cc of smoke.
- It can also cause water contamination and acid rains.
- It results in air pollution that creates carcinogenic sulphur compounds and airborne arsenic
effect.

v) Use of "rockets" near houses gives rise to many injuries each year. There is no law
pertaining to the same.

vi) Harmful effects of fireworks displays:

- Green light produced in fireworks displays comes from Barium that is radioactive and
poisonous.
- Blue colour produced from copper compounds comes from dioxins linked to cancer.
- Different effects are produced by using different chemicals that are linked to a host of health
and respiratory problems.