Scott: Let’s rethink fireworks on Independence Day
Posted
Don Scott | Fountain Hills
Humans embrace their entertainment, but at what cost? With Independence Day again upon us, can we reimagine “patriotism?”
Studies of fireworks shows indicate “sharp and statistically significant increases in the concentrations of the firework-related chemicals barium, chlorine, copper, magnesium, potassium and strontium,” and at lesser levels “increases of the concentrations of the firework-related components aluminum, arsenic, antimony, chromium, phosphorous, sulfur, titanium and zinc.” (“Concentrations of individual fine particulate matter components in the USA around July 4th,” Air Qual Atmos Health 2017)
Dr. Terry Gordon, NYU Langone Health professor and senior author of “Toxicity of Particles Emitted By Fireworks”: “Our results suggest that inhaling firework smoke may cause longer term damage – a risk that has been largely ignored. Although people are only exposed to these substances for a short time each year, they are much more toxic than the pollutants we breathe every day.”
The Health Effects Institute: “Fireworks particulate matter concentrations can be high enough to trigger health effects, especially for children and older adults and those living with respiratory diseases.”
It is human nature to couple Independence Day with fireworks, but fireworks were invented 2,000 years ago, in China. As Arizona experiences regular Air Quality Alerts and as raging wildfires encircle us, we celebrate by exacerbating pollution and suffering while mimicking a Chinese invention and call it “patriotism.”
We must consider those who suffer from PTSD and who may be health compromised; the potential loss of domestic pets who endure severe stress and too often break loose, making it the worst day of the year for animal shelters; and the potential injury or death of wildlife such as the variety of birds and fledglings that inhabit Fountain Park.
It is time to implement a new tradition of patriotism built on forward thinking, ingenuity and compassion, not toxic chemicals.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
