In this episode we explore the impacts of fireworks to air quality, water quality, wildlife and more! Although fireworks are a staple for celebrations around the world, the explosives almost always contain pollutants like heavy metals, perchlorates, and aerosols, which harm air and water quality. The noise and flashes can startle many organisms, sometimes leading to nesting birds scattering, leaving their young vulnerable to predators. The good news is, there are many alternatives to traditional fireworks shows— making the switch would help protect Florida wildlife and ecosystems.
New Episode from Naturally Florida
Naturally Florida (a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here) recently released a new episode about the environmental impacts of fireworks!
Check it out, below on Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform.
If you enjoyed this episode about the impact of fireworks to our environment, please consider sharing it with a friend.
You can find all the podcast platforms where Naturally Florida is published, submit feedback, or request future topics at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com
Learn More:
- Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040
- Keeping wildlife safe on Independence Day –https://www.fws.gov/story/keeping-wildlife-safe-independence-day
- Birds flee en mass from New Year’s Eve fireworks –https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/22/6/1173/218852#79500851
Call to Action:
- Search for a “Drone Light Show” or “Laser Light Show” near you to watch instead of doing your own fireworks at home. Or, watch a local city or town’s fireworks show.
- Celebrate a firework-less Fourth of July with drones, bubble guns, or confetti cannons – https://www.popsci.com/environment/fireworks-alternatives/
- Consider purchasing quiet fireworks – https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/science/july-4-fireworks-quiet.html
Sources for the show:
- Not just a flash in the pan: short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment – https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040
- The impact of fireworks on airborne particles – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231007009685
- Environmental impacts of perchlorate with special reference to fireworks – a review – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-014-3921-4
Learn about other episodes from Naturally Florida by Clicking Here.
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity.
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
3
