With Bonfire Night around the corner, it’s no surprise the ethical concerns of firework usage are at the forefront of people’s minds.
Despite being a 24 hour event, the hazards that the use of fireworks pose to both the environment and humans alike are cause for many to question the proliferation of such dangerous goods.
A parliament review conducted by Mrs Susan Wilkins concluded that 48% of injuries sustained as a result of the use of fireworks were attributed to a ‘family or private party’, whilst the remaining 41%of injuries were caused by ‘public displays’.
This finding supports calls to reduce the use of fireworks to a professional capacity in an attempt to minimise the risks they pose to spectators.
Furthermore, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 9,700 injuries were directly caused by firework incidents in 2023 in the USA.
This is a drastic increase from the 5727 injuries caused in 2008 (as reported by the National Emergency Department Sample database).
This increase serves as an alarming reminder of the danger that the common use of fireworks poses.
It is important to note that the danger fireworks pose is not reserved solely for humans.
The impact of their use on several aspects of the environment is immeasurable.
The toxic chemicals released by the fireworks contain carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen, which contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect aggravating the global warming of the planet, changing the temperature of the air and affecting humidity and air visibility.
However, whilst the use of fireworks dramatically impacts the atmosphere, its impact on the environment affects animals as well.
It is understood that animals become frightened and may even suffer from health issues as a result of exposure to the loud sounds and bright lights of the fireworks.
This has since been confirmed with a study by the Max Planck Institute in Germany which used GPS trackers to show the effect of fireworks on Arctic Migratory geese in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Their studies showed that geese flew away from their sleeping sites as a result of fireworks near them, highlighting the disruptive impact on wildlife and their natural habitats.
With the calls to ban the use of fireworks and turn to eco-friendlier, safer alternatives growing louder each year, the question remains: are all things okay in moderation even if they damage the environment?