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Toxic tradition
AS THE holiday season draws near, we alert the public this early about the health risks associated with firecrackers and fireworks. Our appeal: shun pyrotechnics for health and safety.
Air pollution resulting from the massive detonation of firecrackers and fireworks represents a real health risk for all people, especially the most vulnerable population groups. The toxic smoke and dust resulting from pyrotechnics explosion contain many nasty pollutants, including suspended particulate matters, that can easily enter the lungs and put people’s health at risk. These pollutants pose great risk to infants and young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with existing heart, neurological and respiratory problems.
Aside from particulate matters, pyrotechnics-related pollutants include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, metal, nitrous and sulfur oxide. These toxic chemicals are also found in cigarettes that people, especially the vulnerable groups, are constantly exposed to every moment of their lives. We would like to remind our people to be vigilant about the dreaded diseases caused by these chemicals every day of the year. These are preventable ailments if people will be more aware and decisive, and with active government intervention.
From all indications, the wild use of firecrackers and fireworks goes against our basic right to breathe safe air as protected under the Clean Air Act. Our communities practically become huge gas chambers exposing all of us to a cocktail of chemical contaminants, the combined effects of which can be drastically toxic to health.
We suggest that we honestly reexamine this toxic tradition, which is totally not in sync with ongoing local and global efforts to cut pollution, improve environmental quality and lessen the impact of the climate crisis.
It is time for new thinking. Let us all celebrate the holidays safely with regard for life and the environment.
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