The tradition of using fireworks when celebrating national holidays is recognized all over the world. Most people do not realize that when they light up these mini explosives or attend firework displays, they are participating in destructive activities that result in unnecessary suffering, injuries, fires, and even death. 

 

War Veterans

The large crowds, light flashes, and loud booms generated by fireworks can trigger painful memories and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for veterans. The brave women and men who have served in the military deserve to be free from the harmful effects of fireworks. Please be considerate of your neighbors.

https://www.wjhg.com/content/news/Officials-say-to-keep-pets-and-veterans-in-mind-during-firework-displays-512202062.html  

 

Domestic Animals & Wildlife

Animals have much more sensitive hearing than humans, and many show stress, fear, or even phobia responses to loud and high-pitched noises. The intrusive sounds generated by fireworks have a detrimental effect on both domestic and wild animals. Fireworks cause undeniable psychological and physiological distress to animals. Animals often exhibit symptoms of severe stress, such as paralysis, tremors, excessive salivation, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal issues.

 

When animals are stressed, they may try to escape, which is why July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters and wildlife rescues across the United States. Frightened wildlife may abandon their nests or young in an attempt to escape the sounds. This leaves their young vulnerable to predators, and they may become injured or killed while fleeing.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/fireworks-noise-deadly-to-pets

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/07/03/july-4th-the-day-we-torture-pets-and-wildlife-with-our-fireworks/ 

 

Environmental Impact

In 2018 fireworks were responsible for an estimated 19,500 fires. Firework reports from the years 2014-2018 state that fireworks caused 59% of all wildfires. Fireworks diminish air quality and disperse several metallic compounds and gases into the atmosphere. The waste from the fireworks usually ends up in our sewer systems and, ultimately, our waterways.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2019/12/31/festive-fireworks-create-harmful-pall-of-pollution/#2897e1d12853  

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190717105300.htm 

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Public Safety 

Fireworks send thousands to the ER on or around the 4th of July. In July of 2018, at least five people died from firework-related injuries, and about 9,100 people were treated in hospital emergency departments. When fireworks explode, they increase PM10 levels in the air. PM10 is a hazardous particle that is toxic when inhaled. 

https://www.fox4now.com/news/local-news/new-fireworks-law-impacts-public-safety

 

Florida Law

Governor Ron Desantis recently signed into law Senate Bill 140. The new law allows Floridians to set off fireworks on certain holidays. The designated firework holidays include the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. The new law does not supersede local regulations on firework