This Fourth of July...

This Fourth of July...

240 years ago on this day, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, granting birth to the United States of America. As we Americans celebrate this fact, there are some unspoken concerns that we must taken into consideration. This Fourth of July, for the sake of veterans, animals, human safety, and the environment, we should refrain from illegally using fireworks at home. An alternate option that will ensure minimum threat is attending a fireworks display conducted by professionals. But, the best option is to forgo fireworks altogether, and to instead opt for eco-friendly alternatives that do not pose a huge threat to human/animal health and the environment.

Why we should be considerate about using fireworks this Fourth of July:

1. Veterans: Veterans who served in combat often suffer from PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The loud sounds and bright lights resulting from fireworks severely affect combat veterans suffering from PTSD, as veterans assume the fireworks are gunshots or explosions. Fireworks can trigger PTSD symptoms in combat veterans.

2. Animals: Animals, especially our pet dogs and cats, have keen senses of hearing, meaning they are much more vulnerable to the loud noises created by fireworks. Our pets are very likely to run away in an attempt of finding escape away from the noise of fireworks. Not only do some pets run away, but they are also unfortunately likely to get hit by a car. Wild animals are at great risk of being affected by fireworks as well. Feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety develop in wild animals following exposure to fireworks. Wildlife moms tend to abandon their babies and become too disoriented to find their way back to their babies. Meanwhile, the babies die as a result of the absence of their mothers to take care of and nurture them. In addition, fireworks may startle and disorientate birds, causing them to fly into windows and buildings, and possibly suffer from injury or even death. Scavenging animals may ingest firework debris, putting them at a large risk of death. Here is a complete list of the effects fireworks have on animals, both wild and domestic: https://www.causes.com/causes/121564-against-fireworks-in-lebanon/updates/491597-fireworks-harm-and-kill-animals

3.  Human Safety: Around 4th of July, firework-related injuries drastically increase. When used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause severe burns and injuries to eyes, ears, arms, and legs. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that around 4th of July, 230 people on average go to the emergency room to treat firework injuries. Children are especially at risk if they are unattended. Here is a list of safety tips: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/

4. Environment (and Health)  Fireworks have a detrimental effect on the environment, all of which are promoted by means of manufacturing, transporting, and combusting.

• Manufacturing: In order to create fireworks, raw materials and energy are used. The elements that make up fireworks are obtained through mining, which in itself is dangerous to the environment. Much of the mining actually occurs in the mountains, removing habitats and consequently threatening wildlife.  
• Transporting: Once fireworks are produced, they are transported around the world to reach consumers. This transportation may occur through planes, trucks, and boats, all of which produce greenhouse gases that increase air pollution.
• Combusting: When fireworks are combusted, toxic chemicals and pollutants are released that not only affect human health, but the environment as well. Smoke from fireworks contains particulate matter and pollutants. Such pollutants that are released by fireworks are ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, and carbon dioxide. These pollutants are widely known to contribute to air pollution and have adverse effects on human health. In addition, when fireworks fallout, bodies of water may become contaminated. Lakes, rivers, and oceans as a result may become polluted. Here is a complete list of the effects caused firework components as provided by backcountryattitude.com :

The Toxic Elements of Fireworks - Pick Your Poison

Toxic Element	Fireworks Usage	Toxic Effect of Fallout Dust and Fumes
Aluminum	brilliant whites	Contact dermatitis, bioaccumulation
Antimony sulfide	glitter effects	Toxic smoke, possible carcinogen
Arsenic compounds	Used as colorants. Sadly still out there. [3]	Toxic ash can cause lung cancer, skin irritation and wart formation.
Barium Nitrate	glittering greens	Poisonous. Fumes can irritate respiratory tract. Possible radioactive fallout. [4]
Copper compounds	blues	Polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. [5] Can bioaccumulate. Cancer risk.
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) [5]	Use was supposed to be banned globally.	Persistent environmental toxin. Is a carcinogen, mutagen and a reproductive hazard [13].
Lead Dioxide / Nitrate / Chloride	oxidizer	Bioaccumulation, developmental danger for kids & unborn babes, may remain airborne for days, poisonous to plants & animals
Lithium compounds	blazing reds	Toxic and irritating fumes when burned
Mercury (Mercurous chloride)	chlorine donor	Toxic heavy metal. Can bioaccumulate.
Nitric oxide	fireworks byproduct [6]	Toxic by inhalation. Is a free radical
Nitrogen dioxide	fireworks byproduct [6]	Highly toxic by inhalation. SIDS risk [8].
Ozone	fireworks byproduct [7]	Greenhouse gas that attacks & irritates lungs
Perchlorate - Ammonium & Potassium	propellant / oxidizer	Can contaminate ground & surface waters, can cause thyroid problems in humans & animals
Potassium Nitrate	in black powder	Toxic dusts, carcinogenic sulfur-coal compounds
Strontium compounds	blazing reds	Can replace calcium in body. Strontium chloride is slightly toxic.
Sulfur Dioxide	gaseous byproduct of sulfur combustion	Acid rain from sulphuric acid affects water sources, vegetation & causes property damage. SIDS risk [8].

Alternatives:

We all want to have an enjoyable 4th of July, preferably without fireworks. So here is a list of alternate activities you and your family can enjoy without disturbing veterans, harming wildlife, threatening human safety, or destroying the environment.

• Attend a laser light show, parade, or block party.
• Camp out and observe the natural beauty of the night sky.
• Blow glow-in-the-dark bubbles or pop confetti poppers