How fireworks negatively affect and impact our communities throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Pets
From the Humane Society of the United States: "Many pets become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells."" Many pets become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. Dogs are able to hear up to 60,000hz, while humans can’t hear anything above 20,000hz, which is only a third of the capacity of dogs. This auditory acuity of dogs is one of the reasons the sound of fireworks can be so harmful to them. They show signs of overwhelming anxiety as they are unable to escape from the sound. Many urban dogs suffer negative symptoms from the explosions of firecrackers. Common reactions are freezing or paralysis, uncontrolled attempts to escape and hide, and tremors. Other more intense signs may also be present, such as salivation, tachycardia, intense vocalizations, urination or defecation, increased activity, hyper alertness and gastrointestinal disorders. All these signs are indicative of great discomfort. It has been pointed out that the reaction of dogs to the sound of fireworks is similar to post-traumatic stress in human animals. However, this effect could be much more harmful in dogs, because they do not have the ability to rationalize their anxiety, or the possibility of an immediate cognitive response that allows them to respond to their fear. It is likely they experience a deeper and more intense form of terror. This is in addition to the noise phobia which can be greater in some dogs due to personality differences. It is important to keep in mind that in the first years of their lives, dogs are especially vulnerable to the development of phobias, and exposing them to sounds like fireworks contributes to future fear responses that they might not otherwise have had. It has been estimated that one in two dogs has significant fear reactions to fireworks. The effects of fireworks on cats are less obvious, but their responses are similar to those of dogs, such as trying to hide or escape. However, regardless of the fear they have, they have a higher risk of being poisoned. Many cats who are near areas where firecrackers are made ingest them or their parts. In addition, they can go blind or be seriously injured by the explosions of firecrackers.
Fireworks & Horses
Horses can easily feel threatened by fireworks due to their hypervigilance since they are constantly on high alert due to possible predators. Horses also act quite similarly to dogs and cats, showing signs of stress and fear, and trying to flee or escape. It is estimated that 79% of horses experience anxiety because of firecrackers, and 26% suffer injuries from them. Sometimes they react to fireworks by trying to jump fences and flee to dangerous areas where they can be run over by cars. Even the most calm horse can get scared by a big booming fireworks display and take off running in a panic.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For veterans, particularly those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, the past months have been particularly difficult. In cities across the United States, very loud and very bright showcases have interrupted nightly slumbers. While fireworks may be entertaining for some, or just a nuisance for others, for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the evening spectacles could trigger serious mental health consequences. In terms of fireworks, individuals with PTSD, as well as any combat veteran regardless of their PTSD status, are more likely to be triggered or respond to this kind of stimuli. So we have a loud, unexpected noise, often under the cover of darkness. If we think about what a combat scenario looks like, you're expecting incoming fire and explosions that you have to be on guard for, that are often happening at night. And fireworks serve as a very significant reminder of these experiences, PTSD or no. So this really does impact people. It really disrupts sleep. It increases stress. I would say it is a pretty significant stressor for people.
Fireworks & Autism
Heightened senses like sensitivity to sounds, touch and smells are some of the experiences that a child with autism might feel. From the smoke on the grill and loud pops during fireworks can all trigger anxiety for some kids on the spectrum. Although shining, loud fireworks are generally fun for the whole family, they can be overwhelming for children with autism. The sensory overload might just be too much to handle and can create a complication for families with autism. For some, fireworks are no fun, and they are more than a nuisance disturbing their sleep; they are a potential source of trauma.
Fireworks Affect Quality of Life
Illegal use of fireworks can be dangerous to you and to others and is a public nuisance. People who use fireworks carelessly, or without knowing what they're doing can be killed or maimed. They can also kill or maim others. Fireworks can burn down houses, damage entertainment venues such as nightclubs, frighten children and adults, cause bushfires, and terrify pets and wildlife. Noise from fireworks can cause distress, especially as fireworks can sound like gunfire. The noise can also cause tinnitus and deafness, or aggravate a nervous condition. People who suffer from asthma can experience discomfort and epileptics can experience seizures following fireworks displays. Fireworks set off since the beginning of May have caused residents to lose sleep, have their vehicles and homes hit by debris, clean up litter left behind from people shooting off fireworks, affect mental health, and have residents worrying about fires starting from the use of fireworks.
Fireworks Pollution
Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals and smoke in the air for hours and days. Some of the toxins never fully decompose or disintegrate, but rather hang around in the environment, poisoning all they come into contact with. Exposure to fine particles, like those found in smoke and haze, is linked to negative health implications, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and even heart attacks, according to the EPA. People at greatest risk for problems are those with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. In a fireworks display, those particles that fall to the ground (chemicals and actual physical pieces of waste) often contain propellant chemicals and colorants, which find their way into the soil and our water systems. Many of the raw materials used to create fireworks are mined from mountains, a destructive process that cuts down forests and destroys wildlife habitats. Leftover rock is discarded into valleys, blocking and polluting flowing streams.
Firework Fire Dangers
Did you know that on a typical Independence Day more fires are reported than any other day of the year? Almost half (47 percent) of those fires are caused by fireworks. Fire prevention is particularly important when fireworks are involved. Fireworks can easily cause structure/home fires, vehicle fires, and forest fires. For homeowners, property damage from fireworks may not be covered under insurance policies. This is also true of vehicle fires. If you catch fire to a commercial or government building as a result of fireworks, the price you pay may be even higher. Forest fires are also a major concern, particularly during the summer months when conditions are drier. The most likely cause of fires started by fireworks is user error. The person letting off the fireworks is either too young, intoxicated, or simply inexperienced. Playing with fire is no game. Debris and sparks from commercial fireworks can spark fires. If a firecracker explodes, it can also shoot out debris and spark fires. Another way that fireworks can start fires is by improperly disposing of used fireworks. If you drop a hot firework in dry grass or near other flammable materials, it could easily reignite and start a fire. This fire could burn out of control in the matter of minutes.
Firework Injuries
On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. Small fireworks and sparklers cause most of these injuries. A sparkler is not a child’s toy. Sparklers burn at temperatures that can melt metal. The best way to prevent injuries is to leave fireworks to the professionals. A burned hand or finger is the most common injury from fireworks. A minor burn causes redness and pain. More serious burns cause blisters. The most serious burns cause white leathery skin and damage under the skin. Eye injuries from fireworks can range from minor burns to complete loss of vision. An exploding firework sends dangerous particles flying through the air. They can pierce an eyeball. You can get an eye injury by standing too close. Besides burns, fireworks can cause severe hand injuries. These include deep cuts, torn tendons, and broken bones. Powerful fireworks can cause serious injuries to the face. Besides harming the eyes, fireworks can burn the face. Severe injuries to the face can also include broken bones and loss of facial tissue. Many severe hand injuries from fireworks cause loss of a finger or thumb. Very loud noise from fireworks can cause hearing loss. This could be temporary or permanent. Noise is measured in decibels. Noise louder than 85 decibels can cause damage to hearing. A firework going off three feet away can be 150 decibels. Besides loss of hearing, symptoms can include ear pain and ringing in the ears.
Fireworks Affect Wildlife
Fireworks and other explosive materials, whose reactions can produce sparks, flames, and fumes, cause various harms to nonhuman animals. These often affect animals who are human companions, and whose reactions we can easily see. They also harm the other animals who are around us, both in urban environments and outside them, as well as those who are on farms or confined in other spaces. The hearing of many animals is much more sensitive than it is in humans, so the explosions of fireworks are not only more disturbing to them, but they can damage their hearing more severely. In addition to these harms, the noises caused by fireworks harm animals by causing fear. In fact, repeated exposure to unexpected, unpredictable loud noises can cause phobias in many animals, increasing panic reactions to loud noises in the future. In addition, firecrackers are poisonous, and their explosion releases harmful particles such as fine dust (PM10) that is toxic to inhale. It can worsen existing diseases and cause others. Therefore, fireworks represent a danger both to animals who live in areas where they explode, or in relatively distant locations when the wind transports the particles. There is also a risk of ingestion of the residue of fireworks and firecrackers. The proximity of the animals to the areas where the firecrackers are made often causes burns and damage to the eyes. The shock of fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, flying into buildings and other obstacles, and even abandoning nests, leaving young vulnerable to predators. The threat to wildlife doesn’t stop at startling lights and sounds; fireworks also have the potential of starting wildfires, directly affecting wildlife and destroying essential habitat. Litter from firecrackers, bottle rockets and other explosives can be choking hazards for wildlife and may be toxic if ingested. The noise of firecrackers can cause birds tachycardia and even death by fright. The high degree of stress birds experience is indicated by the fact that birds may temporarily or permanently abandon the places where they are.