Should firework shows be banned due to environmental concerns?

Question

Fireworks are an American tradition and pass time enjoyed by the masses. Beautiful and sometimes breathtaking, annual celebratory firework displays of our nation's independence may be more damaging than some know or are willing to admit.
While I am clueless as to the actual content in the smoke remaining after the show, I am well aware of the smoke itself.
Our smaller town of 40,000 puts on a good show, but I imagine larger cities out do us by far. So... with thousands of cities participating, what are we doing to air quality? We are not the only species dependent on the breath of life and without it, there is not much independence to celebrate.
Another concern I have is the money spent to produce the shows. Shouldn't we use that for something more meaningful and longer lasting?
Are there any grassroots movements toward banning such shows?

I understand that fireworks are among the least of our problems. I simply contemplated the affects while watching our neighbors light off last years leftovers.
I appreciate the direction to focus on larger scale movements, however, every little bit helps. Considering how many places participate in the independence ritual, it is not that "little."

Answer 1

It's easy to get distracted by small things when looking at the environment. Particularly things some find entertaining that others don't. Fireworks are a completely insignificant part of air pollution.

There is more pollution created by spectators driving to the fireworks show. So, to be consistent, you'd have to ban soccer games, rock concerts, and all other spectator events.

But we need to focus on fixing the big things, like electric power plants, cats, and trucks. We don't have to stop having fun. Here's a good plan:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,481085,00.html

http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM040507.pdf

Answer 2

I think this is a relatively miniscule amount of pollution being created. Can you imagine if everyone watching the show, instead lit off their own show at their house instead. Not only would you have a great deal more people getting injured, but you'd have a lot more air and land pollution to deal with. Leave the fireworks shows alone.

Answer 3

I believe that fireworks are a huge waste of money and they polute horribly. I have asthma and used to have attacks every July 5th. Many states have banned all but large PUBLIC displays, however it is unlikely that it will be outlawed completely. No lawmaker would create the law, because it would be largely unpopular and their opponent would paint them as unpatriotic. But we can get cities and counties to ban personal use of fireworks. Fire departments, hospitals, and the heart, lung and cancer societies have offered support in the form of endorsement and education

Keep up the good thinking outside the box, youre great to think of ways to make the world a better place.

Answer 4

I think you are getting a bit too upset about a relatively small issue. One small forest fire produces lots more smoke than all the fireworks shows together. What about barbecue grills? Should we ban them too, since they produce smoke and cost a lot of money? What about Bonfires? Burning leaves and yard debris? That's a lot more smoke than fireworks.

Speaking of money, how much money, time, and gasoline has the freakin media spent over the last two weeks chasing Paris Hilton around? Don't get me started...

Not to be critical, but I think your concern over fireworks is a bit misplaced. It is a relatively small thing that happens only a few times a year. There are much bigger issues that happen every day that are more worthwhile pursuing.

Answer 5

Fireworks are a big part of the american patriotic display and I think it would take a lot to even go in that direction

Answer 6

I hope we can meet halfway here. I love fireworks but I'm an environmentalist, too. The industry needs to be examing ways to keep the show sharp while minimizing impacts.

Go America!

Answer 7

No. Let us have a little fun. Cows produce more pollution. If you are concerned about the enviroment get a big box of corks, find a cow pasture and.........

Answer 8

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Answer 9

NO