Fireworks aren't always fun

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Though the colorful and pretty lights are popular this time of year, not everyone enjoys them. Aside from the fire hazard, negative environmental effects, and hazard to wildlife, they are serious triggers for neurodiverse people, those with PTSD (veterans and those who have experienced violence), those with breathing difficulties, people who suffer from headaches, and those who are generally sensitive to loud noises. I'll go through some of the main complaints about fireworks that make them less of a fun holiday event and more of a nightmare, as well as some suggestions for how we could make the holiday safer - for disabled people, animals, and the environment.

They're very loud

Not just loud though - they're inescapable! Even when I'm inside my house with all the doors and windows closed, I still hear them loud and clear; often I hear them over music or the television! Usually the only way I can mask the noise is by wearing ear defenders similar to what's used at gun ranges.

At best, the volume is annoying, but at worst, it's anxiety inducing and causes/worsens pounding headaches and migraines. Fireworks emit noise in the 150-176 decibel range; this is enough to even damage hearing! For children, 120 db is enough for damage; for adults, the number is slightly higher at 140 db. If they're loud enough for permanent hearing damage, then imagine how bad they are for someone with a bad headache or who has anxiety with loud noises!

For comparison, a freight train 100ft away is 80

They sound like gunshots

This is one thing that makes them such a huge trigger for people with PTSD involving violence and/or abuse. The sounds of gunshots and the typical fireworks are identical. The sudden, loud pops are a MAJOR issue for combat veterans and domestic violence survivors and activate the "fight or flight" response and trigger panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. Even for someone whose PTSD is well controlled, it's enough to make them regress and because people often set them off randomly throughout the week, they won't fully be able to recover for a few days and will be on edge for a while.

In addition to the noise, the smoke and bright flashes of light may be reminiscent of explosions or gunshots.

They decrease air quality

When fireworks explode, they release a burst of smoke and various metallic salts (varies by color). Particularly when there are several set off, this produces a concentrated area of smoke and chemicals that decreases air quality. Many contain nitrogen and sulfur, which combines with oxygen in the air to create nitric and sulfuric acid; these compounds are very hard on the lungs. In fact, Canada canceled Canada Day celebrations this year due to air quality concerns and not wanting to worsen the existing problems.

Fireworks contain both fine and coarse particles, neither of which are good to breathe in. Some types of metallic salts used in fireworks are worse than others, but when tested in a lab, they all produced some degree of inflammation in the cells of the lungs. The largest amounts of inflammation were fireworks with lead and copper. The US has banned the use of lead in fireworks, but many still contain copper salts. Fireworks in some countries may still contain lead.

Bad air quality affects everyone, but there are several populations that are particularly affected. Pregnant people, children, infants, the elderly, and the disabled - particularly those with breathing difficulties and cardiac issues - are all more affected by bad air quality.

They disrupt sleep

Though setting off fireworks is banned within city limits (except for planned displays), it's a law that is not followed by many. Most law enforcement officials will ignore fireworks within city limits unless they are setting them off during a burn ban, aiming at cars, people, or buildings, or setting off several. I currently live within city limits and have for several years (and in different cities) and every year, there are people setting them off throughout the week.

Again, they are loud and inescapable, so if there are random neighbors setting them off, everyone will hear it. These often are set off well past midnight and often disrupt sleep for everyone in the neighborhood. Sleep disturbances are bad for everyone, and can worsen many health issues.

Additionally, people who have to get up early for work and the parents of infants would not be happy! I definitely wouldn't want to incur the wrath of a sleep deprived parent who just go their colicky baby to sleep!

Possible Solutions

Ideally, fireworks couldn't be sold to the general public and require a permit to buy and set off, which would cut down on a lot of issues (and ER visits). However, they're so well liked by the general American, so it's unlikely. Efforts to curb usage would probably have to follow a harm reduction approach. For this, I would propose these changes:

Fireworks only allowed to be purchased and set off on a few designated days. Hopefully, this would end the week long random fireworks and cut it down to a few days a year. In turn, it should reduce the number of fireworks that are set off.
Ban fireworks with copper salts. These were shown to cause the most inflammation (along with lead).

*Seriously the best way to enjoy them, in my opinion*

Limit the amount of sulfur and nitrogen in fireworks a person can buy every year. Nitrogen and sulfur released from fireworks combines with air to create acids that are lung irritants, so there should be a limit on the amount to cut down on the amounts to spare our lungs and our children's lungs.

Encourage alternatives to traditional fireworks. "Silent Fireworks", which are quieter than normal fireworks are a step in the right direction for people who still want fireworks, but they're much quieter and thus, don't startle as many animals, don't trigger the entire city's anxiety, and don't cause hearing damage. If you want to ditch fireworks entirely, there are several festive and beautiful options: release biodegradable paper lanterns, light displays, biodegradable confetti cannons, bubble machines, and more.

Worth noting that I wrote this June 29 - July 1 within city limits and there were several fireworks that went off during this.