Holiday celebrations are often associated with the usage of pyrotechnics, but behind the colorful, sparkling lights there are a lot of hidden threats for the environment and human health.
In 2021 on only New Year’s days, up to 30 people were hurt by pyrotechnics, half of them were under-age. Some of them were just slightly injured, some received facial injuries and unfortunately, some lost their fingers. In 2020 on the night of New Year there were 81 injuries confirmed (33 in the regions and 48 in Tbilisi). Also, on New Year’s Eve, a number of people had to be taken to the burn unit.
Besides physical injuries, pyrotechnics exceedingly pollute the environment, because to result in sparkling colors, various metal powders must be used, which break down into particles and gases and spread into the air, water and soil after the explosion. For example, to get the color blue, they use copper, for green they use barium and for the color red – strontium, while magnesium determines the brightness. Fireworks may also consist of toxic metals such as lead and chromium, the usage of which are banned in some countries like the US and UK.
As a result of firework usage, the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere increases significantly and is noticeable even after a few days. For example, a study in the US found that 24 hours after the Independence Day event, PM concentration increased up to 370%.
Particulate matter has a negative impact on human health, causes respiratory problems and intensifies asthma and its long-term influence is connected to the development of cardiovascular and not only.
The usage of pyrotechnics may cause hearing loss, noise in the ears, sounds of different intensities, rarely dizziness and nausea.
Pyrotechnics endanger not only humans, but mammals as well. Some animals die as a result of fireworks.
The negative effect of fireworks can be clearly observed in the zoo. For example, at the sound of fireworks the frightened animals start running, lose their orientation and crash into the walls. Some of them take quite a lot of damage during this time and even their heart fails sometimes. To prevent stress, animals in the zoo are given tranquilizer drugs.
Also, domestic animals are not an exception and many of us have probably seen how dogs and cats tremble, bark, whine, run and hide at the sound of fireworks.
In 2021, on New Year’s Eve, hundreds of birds were killed in Rome, this fact was linked to the large-scale use of pyrotechnics.
According to the Code of Administrative Offence of Georgia, in the night hours (from 23:00 to 8:00) the usage of pyrotechnics by civilians will be fined 150 GEL and juridical person by 500 GEL and if during the span of the following year the law is violated again by the same offender, the amount is doubled, 150-200, 500-1000 respectively.
However, these regulations do not apply to New Year’s holidays (December 31, 21:00 to January 14 23:00), on the day the Act of Independence was issued (April 9) and on the Independence Day of Georgia (may 26).
Selling pyrotechnic products to minors is also against the law. Civilians will be fined 100 GEL and legal entities 200 GEL. In case of repeated actions, fines are once again doubled.
However, unfortunately, we all know that none of the rules are followed. Therefore, before the government in the best case prohibits the usage of pyrotechnics by law, we all have to remember our personal duties and hopefully, many of us will refuse to use pyrotechnics, because if we understand how harmful this seemingly beautiful and impressive, colorful glow is to both the environment and people, for animals and birds, we will find that holidays can be even more wonderful without the usage of fireworks.
Instead of pyrotechnics, local and central authorities can offer us a much safer and more interesting show, for example, a laser show, a drone show, colorful rain created from eco-friendly materials like confetti, glow sticks, etc.
In short, there are many safe alternatives to create a beautiful and colorful environment. The important thing is to remember that our few minutes of fun are not worth such a risk.
“Eco Center” wishes you a happy and safe New Year.