Editing Fireworks (section)

==Safety and environmental impact==
[[File:Launching firework rocket.jpg|thumb|right|A firework rocket preparing its launch on the [[Independence Day (United States)|American Independence Day]]]]
[[File:Clyde Learns About Fireworks.webm|right|thumb|An episode of ''[[About Safety]]'', a 1970s educational children's show, which reveals the hazards of improper firework usage]]

Improper use of fireworks is dangerous, both to the person operating them (risks of [[burn (injury)|burns]] and [[wound]]s) and to bystanders; in addition, they may start fires on landing. To prevent [[List of fireworks accidents and incidents|fireworks accidents]], the use of fireworks is legally restricted in many countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fireworkscrazy.co.uk/where-are-fireworks-illegal/ |website=www.fireworkscrazy.co.uk/|title=Where are Fireworks Illegal? - Firework Crazy }}</ref>  In such countries, display fireworks are restricted for use by professionals; smaller consumer versions may or may not be available to the public.

===Effects on animals===
Birds and animals, both domestic and wild, can be frightened by their noise, leading to them running away, often into danger, or hurting themselves on fences or in other ways in an attempt to escape the perceived danger.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_living/ALL/1680// |title=Fireworks Frighten Animals |publisher=Animal Aid |date=26 October 2007 |access-date=24 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917174633/http://animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_living/ALL/1680// |archive-date=17 September 2010  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fireworks Thunder and Pets – Safety considerations for noise phobias|url=http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/petsfireworks.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830095911/http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/petsfireworks.htm|archive-date=30 August 2009|access-date=24 June 2010|publisher=Vetmedicine.about.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 August 2009|title=How should I care for my pets during fireworks displays?|url=http://kb.rspca.org.au/How-should-I-care-for-my-pets-during-fireworks-displays_82.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113121356/http://kb.rspca.org.au/How-should-I-care-for-my-pets-during-fireworks-displays_82.html|archive-date=13 November 2009|access-date=24 June 2010|publisher=Kb.rspca.org.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bateman |first1=Philip W. |last2=Gilson |first2=Lauren N. |last3=Bradshaw |first3=Penelope |title=Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment |journal=[[Pacific Conservation Biology]] |date=2023 |volume=29 |issue=5 |pages=396–401 |doi=10.1071/PC22040 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2023PacSB..29..396B }}</ref> 

Majority of dogs experience distress, fear and anxiety during fireworks.<ref name="rspca.org.uk j005">{{cite web | title=Pets during fireworks season | website=[[RSPCA]] | url=https://www.rspca.org.uk/-/news-classic-fm-and-rspca-join-forces-to-help-pets-during-fireworks-season | access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Storengen | first1=Linn Mari | last2=Lingaas | first2=Frode | title=Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: Prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations | journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science | volume=171 | date=2015-10-01 | issn=0168-1591 | doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.020 | pages=152–160 | url=https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159115002233#! | access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1=Scheifele | first1=Peter M. | last2=Overall | first2=Karen L. | last3=Gruen | first3=Margaret E. | last4=Sherman | first4=Barbara L. | last5=Bellamy | first5=Kim K.L. | last6=Lingaas | first6=Frode | last7=Tiira | first7=Katriina | last8=Lohi | first8=Hannes | last9=Pekkin | first9=Anne-Maria | last10=Valros | first10=Anna | last11=Souza | first11=Carla Caroline Franzini de | last12=Medeiros | first12=Magda Alves de | title=Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour | journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science | publisher=Elsevier | volume=145 | issue=1–2 | date=2013-04-01 | issn=0168-1591 | doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2012.12.004 | pages=15–25 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815911200367X | access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> In 2016, following a petition signed by more than 100,000 Brits, [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom]] debated a motion to restrict firework use.<ref>{{citation | title=Restrict firework use to four days a year| website=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]] | date=2016-05-17 | url=https://bbc.com/news/uk-36311475 | language=en-GB | access-date=2023-12-30 | page=}}</ref> 

Fireworks also affect birds, especially larger birds like [[geese]], [[eagles]] and others.<ref>{{cite web | last=Nilsson | first=Johan | title=Inte bara hundar som får skrämselhicka av fyrverkerier | website=[[Dagens Nyheter]] | date=2023-12-30 | url=https://www.dn.se/varlden/inte-bara-hundar-som-far-skramselhicka-av-fyrverkerier/ | language=sv | access-date=2023-12-30|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231230093615/https://www.dn.se/varlden/inte-bara-hundar-som-far-skramselhicka-av-fyrverkerier/ |archive-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> According to a study by [[Max Planck Institute]] and [[University of Amsterdam|Netherlands Institute of Ecology]], many birds abruptly leave their sleeping sites on New Year's Eve, and some fly up to 500 km non-stop to get away from human settlements.<ref>{{cite web | last=Amsterdam | first=Universiteit van | title=Fireworks have long-lasting effects on wild birds | website=[[University of Amsterdam]] | date=2022-11-28 | url=https://ibed.uva.nl/content/news/2022/11/fireworks-have-long-lasting-effects-on-wild-birds.html | access-date=2023-12-30}}</ref> On average, about 1000 times more birds are in flight on New Year's Eve than on other nights.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Hoekstra | first1=Bart | last2=Bouten | first2=Willem | last3=Dokter | first3=Adriaan | last4=van Gasteren | first4=Hans | last5=van Turnhout | first5=Chris | last6=Kranstauber | first6=Bart | last7=van Loon | first7=Emiel | last8=Leijnse | first8=Hidde | last9=Shamoun-Baranes | first9=Judy | title=Fireworks disturbance across bird communities | journal=[[Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment]] | date=2023-12-07 | volume=22 | issn=1540-9295 | doi=10.1002/fee.2694 | page=| doi-access=free }}</ref> Frightened birds also may abandon nests and not return to complete rearing their young.<ref name="lonelyplanet.com">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Andrea |date=5 July 2018 |title=Why this Italian town is switching to silent fireworks |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/italian-town-silent-fireworks |publisher=Lonely Planet}}</ref> A scientific study from 2022 indicates that fireworks might have some sort of lasting effect on birds, with many birds spending more time to find food in the weeks after New Year's Eve fireworks.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Kölzsch | first1=Andrea | last2=Lameris | first2=Thomas K. | last3=Müskens | first3=Gerhard J. D. M. | last4=Schreven | first4=Kees H. T. | last5=Buitendijk | first5=Nelleke H. | last6=Kruckenberg | first6=Helmut | last7=Moonen | first7=Sander | last8=Heinicke | first8=Thomas | last9=Cao | first9=Lei | last10=Madsen | first10=Jesper | last11=Wikelski | first11=Martin | last12=Nolet | first12=Bart A. | title=Wild goose chase: Geese flee high and far, and with aftereffects from New Year's fireworks | journal=Conservation Letters | volume=16 | issue=1 | date=2023 | issn=1755-263X | doi=10.1111/conl.12927 | page=| doi-access=free | bibcode=2023ConL...16E2927K | hdl=20.500.11755/f3be552f-d141-40e5-a1bf-9404a51ce1e2 | hdl-access=free }}</ref>

===Pollution===
{{Seealso||Heavy metals}}
[[File:Smokyhaze.jpg|thumb|[[Haze]] caused by smoke from fireworks, combined with smoke from wildfires few miles away from where the photo was taken]]
Fireworks produce smoke and dust that may contain residues of [[heavy metals]], sulfur-coal compounds and some low concentration toxic chemicals. These by-products of fireworks combustion will vary depending on the mix of ingredients of a particular firework. (The color green, for instance, may be produced by adding the various compounds and salts of [[barium]], some of which are toxic, and some of which are not.) Some fishers have noticed and reported to environmental authorities that firework residues can hurt fish and other water-life because some may contain toxic compounds (such as [[antimony sulfide]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Shimizu |first1=Takeo |chapter=Some Techniques for Manufacturing Fireworks |pages=21– |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X3aFQdJkmnAC&pg=PA21 |title=Selected Pyrotechnic Publications of Dr. Takeo Shimizu Part 2: Translated Articles |date=1997 |publisher=Journal of Pyrotechnics |isbn=978-1-889526-10-2 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Camilleri |first1=Renato |last2=Vella |first2=Alfred J. |title=Effect of fireworks on ambient air quality in Malta |journal=Atmospheric Environment |date=November 2010 |volume=44 |issue=35 |pages=4521–4527 |doi=10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.07.057 |bibcode=2010AtmEn..44.4521C  | issn=1352-2310}}</ref><ref>Junyi, W., Haicheng, H., & Zhenbing, T. (2019). [https://webofproceedings.org/proceedings_series/ALSMB/ICBCME%202019/ICBCME017.pdf Research on rapid qualitative detection of antimony in pyrotechnic powder used for fireworks and firecrackers].</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Steinhauser |first1=Georg |last2=Klapötke |first2=Thomas M. |title=Using the Chemistry of Fireworks To Engage Students in Learning Basic Chemical Principles: A Lesson in Eco-Friendly Pyrotechnics |journal=Journal of Chemical Education |date=12 January 2010 |volume=87 |issue=2 |pages=150–156 |doi=10.1021/ed800057x |bibcode=2010JChEd..87..150S }}</ref> or [[arsenic]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sterba |first1=Johannes H. |last2=Steinhauser |first2=Georg |last3=Grass |first3=Fritz |title=Illicit utilization of arsenic compounds in pyrotechnics? An analysis of the suspended particle emission during Vienna's New Year fireworks |journal=Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry |date=April 2013 |volume=296 |issue=1 |pages=237–243 |doi=10.1007/s10967-012-2001-x |bibcode=2013JRNC..296..237S |s2cid=97761513 }}</ref>). This is a subject of much debate due to the fact that large-scale pollution from other sources makes it difficult to measure the amount of pollution that comes specifically from fireworks. The possible toxicity of any fallout may also be affected by the amount of [[black powder]] used, type of oxidizer, colors produced and launch method.

[[Perchlorate]] [[Salt (chemistry)|salts]], when in solid form, dissolve and move rapidly in groundwater and surface water. Even in low concentrations in drinking water supplies, perchlorate ions are known to inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. As of 2010, there are no federal drinking water standards for perchlorates in the United States, but the
[[US Environmental Protection Agency]] has studied the impacts of perchlorates on the environment as well as drinking water.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Perchlorate &#124; Drinking Water Contaminants &#124; Safewater &#124; Water &#124; US EPA|url=http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/unregulated/perchlorate.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201201120/http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/unregulated/perchlorate.html|archive-date=1 December 2006|access-date=24 June 2010|publisher=Epa.gov}}</ref>

Several U.S. states have enacted drinking water standard for perchlorates, including Massachusetts in 2006. California's legislature enacted AB 826, the Perchlorate Contamination Prevention Act of 2003, requiring California's Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) to adopt regulations specifying best management practices for perchlorate-containing substances. The Perchlorate Best Management Practices were adopted on 31 December 2005 and became operative on 1 July 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Perchlorate|url=http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823021109/http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Perchlorate/|archive-date=23 August 2009|access-date=24 June 2010|publisher=Dtsc.ca.gov}}</ref> California issued drinking water standards in 2007. Several other states, including Arizona, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Texas have established non-enforceable, advisory levels for perchlorates.

The courts have also taken action with regard to perchlorate contamination. For example, in 2003, a federal district court in California found that Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) applied because perchlorate is ignitable and therefore a "characteristic" hazardous waste.<ref>Castaic Lake Water Agency v. Whittaker, 272 F. Supp. 2d 1053, 1059-61 (C.D. Cal. 2003)</ref>

Pollutants from fireworks raise concerns because of potential health risks associated with the products of combustion during the liquid phase and the solid phase after they have cooled as well as the gases produced, particularly the carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. For persons with [[asthma]] or other respiratory conditions, the smoke from fireworks may aggravate existing health problems.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Coghlan |first=Andy |date=17 December 2008 |magazine=New Scientist |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026875.800 |title=Great fireworks, shame about the toxic fallout}}</ref>

Pollution is also a concern because fireworks often contain heavy metals as source of color.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 July 2020|title=Common Fireworks Release Lead, Copper & Other Toxic Metals into the Air|url=https://nyulangone.org/news/common-fireworks-release-lead-copper-other-toxic-metals-air|access-date=19 September 2021|website=NYU Langone News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hickey|first1=Christina|last2=Gordon|first2=Christopher|last3=Galdanes|first3=Karen|last4=Blaustein|first4=Martin|last5=Horton|first5=Lori|last6=Chillrud|first6=Steven|last7=Ross|first7=James|last8=Yinon|first8=Lital|last9=Chen|first9=Lung Chi|last10=Gordon|first10=Terry|date=2 July 2020|title=Toxicity of particles emitted by fireworks|journal=Particle and Fibre Toxicology|volume=17|issue=1|pages=28|doi=10.1186/s12989-020-00360-4|issn=1743-8977|pmc=7330945|pmid=32611421 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2020PFTox..17...28H }}</ref> However, gunpowder smoke and the solid residues are basic, and as such the cumulative effect of fireworks on acid rain is uncertain.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} What is not disputed is that most consumer fireworks leave behind a considerable amount of solid debris, including both readily biodegradable components as well as nondegradable plastic items. Concerns over pollution, consumer safety, and debris have restricted the sale and use of consumer fireworks in many countries. Professional displays, on the other hand, remain popular around the world.

Others argue that alleged concern over pollution from fireworks constitutes a red herring, since the amount of contamination from fireworks is minuscule in comparison to emissions from sources such as the burning of fossil fuels. In the US, some states and local governments restrict the use of fireworks in accordance with the [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]] which allows laws relating to the prevention and control of outdoor air pollution to be enacted.

Some companies within the U.S. fireworks industry claim they are working with Chinese manufacturers to reduce and ultimately hope to eliminate of the pollutant perchlorate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/living/green/20090704_Pa__company_works_to_make_fireworks_greener.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826004009/http://www.philly.com/philly/living/green/20090704_Pa__company_works_to_make_fireworks_greener.html |archive-date=26 August 2009 |author=Knee, Karen |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=4 July 2009 |title=Pa. company works to make fireworks greener}}</ref>

In 2023, a team of researchers from [[NYU Langone Health]] assessed the effects of the [[Macy's 4th of July Fireworks]] on localized air and water [[pollution]]. The results of the study showed a sharp rise in airborne [[particulates]], with peak real-time measurements of PM{{sub|2.5}} exceeding 1,000 μg/m<sup>3</sup> at three sampling sites within 30 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks display, which took several hours to return back to pre-event levels. The study also found increased levels of heavy metals in the East River that lasted for one hour after the fireworks ended.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Saporito |first1=Antonio F. |last2=Gordon |first2=Terry |last3=Kim |first3=Beck |display-authors=etal |date=6 August 2024 |title=Skyrocketing pollution: assessing the environmental fate of July 4th fireworks in New York City |journal=Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology |volume=35 |issue=2 |pages=214–222 |doi=10.1038/s41370-024-00701-x|pmid=39107528 |bibcode=2025JESEE..35..214S }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |date=6 August 2024 |url=https://nyulangone.org/news/new-york-citys-fireworks-display-prompts-temporary-surge-air-pollution |title= New York City's Fireworks Display Prompts Temporary Surge of Air Pollution |publisher=NYU Langone Health |access-date=7 March 2025}}</ref>