Avoid being outdoors after fireworks
During firework explosions, large amounts of gaseous pollutants are emitted: nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and ground-level ozone are formed. Additionally, various organic compounds, solid particles, and heavy metals are released. Sustainability expert Dr. R. Grubliauskas emphasizes that this harms human health.
"In the smoke of fireworks, there are various chemical substances that can have a negative impact on the respiratory tract, as well as cause eye irritation, difficulty in the nasal and throat mucosa, and headaches. It is difficult to determine the duration of the impact of firework pollutants on people nearby. It depends on prevailing meteorological conditions—wind direction, relative humidity, pressure, precipitation. It is determined that the values of certain atmospheric pollutants during the first hour of the New Year can increase up to 10 times, so after the fireworks, people, especially those with respiratory diseases, are advised to avoid being outdoors for at least a few hours," advises Dr. R. Grubliauskas.
Sound damage is caused not only to animals but also to humans
However, for those who decide to watch the fireworks show in their city on New Year's, the sustainability expert advises to maintain a safe distance because, in the vicinity of the explosion site, fireworks can have a direct negative impact on health and even cause injuries.
"The most sudden impact of pyrotechnic products can be caused by the propagated impulse sound, which manifests itself in salvos—i.e., sound signals shorter than 1 second. The sound level generated by fireworks depends on the chemical reaction that occurs when the propellant ignites. Burning gunpowder releases hot gases that expand rapidly, and the resulting explosion creates a shockwave. Due to such explosions, birds, pets, sensitive residents, and young children can experience significant stress," says Dr. R. Grubliauskas.
According to the expert, when fireworks explode in close proximity, the sound pressure can reach up to 130 dB. Such sound energy in the inner ear can cause severe mechanical damage: bleeding in the inner ear, eardrum rupture, irreparable damage to the hearing nerve receptors.
Some fireworks are more harmful than others
The production of fireworks is a complex and dangerous process, so many countries establish strict safety standards and regulations governing the production, sale, and use of fireworks.
"It is natural that some fireworks can be more harmful than others, depending on the materials used, their concentrations, and other components. For example, heavy metals such as copper (green colour), strontium (red colour), and others are used for coloured fireworks. Due to the higher concentration of heavy metals, coloured fireworks can have a greater impact on the environment. If they get into the soil or water bodies, they can cause long-term pollution," says sustainability expert Dr. R. Grubliauskas.
According to the sustainability expert, different explosion materials may differ in how quickly they burn and what toxic substances may form as a result.
"Some substances are stable, less prone to explode under inappropriate conditions, but they can also have a long-term impact on the environment. Firework smoke can have components of different compositions, for example, containing sulphur compounds that contribute to the formation of smoke and acidic precipitation. So, I want to emphasize that any use of fireworks can affect the environment, so safety and responsibility principles are very important," says the scientist.
Look for more sustainable alternatives
"On New Year's night, people need a captivating spectacle. However, it is important to remember that there are safer, more creative ways to create it without allowing fireworks into the sky and without posing a danger to your and other people's lives. Every year, more and more cities in Europe and the world shorten the time for firework displays on New Year's night or completely ban them. All this is due to the raised air pollution, loud noise, and the large amounts of firework waste left on the streets," says sustainability expert Dr. R. Grubliauskas.
He advises replacing fireworks with more environmentally friendly and safer alternatives—glowing unmanned aerial devices, drone formations, LED lights, 3D technologies, laser shows that can create stunning visuals in outdoor or indoor spaces, on building walls, or other surfaces.
Dr. Grubliauskas adds that to strengthen competencies in the field of sustainability, nurture a culture of sustainability and responsibility to the environment in 2023 the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center was established. The activities of the Sustainability Center are supported by the ATHENA European University Alliance, a project financed by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan "New Generation Lithuania," and the funds of the Republic of Lithuania state budget.
The text was prepared by the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center
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