The use of fireworks during celebrations causes air pollution, chemical waste and increased noise levels, which can affect the well-being of people and animals. However, it is important to always remember everything related to their correct use. For many, they are synonymous with joy, pleasure and fun, but for others they are associated with unpleasant feelings, fear or suffering. Especially in children, the elderly, people with high sensitivity or pets, they cause discomfort. It is beautiful to admire the spectacle that fireworks provide us in the sky, but let us remember that they contain chemicals (perchlorate, lithium, heavy metals such as aluminium) that can be smelled, can cause damage to the eyes, damage to the skin, irritation and intolerance, manifesting itself in headaches, as well as polluting the environment. Their products are toxic and remain in the soil. Fireworks, rockets and firecrackers can reach over 150 dB, which is a potentially dangerous level for the human ear, even with short-term exposure. Our ears can withstand noises of up to 90 dB without damage, but with some discomfort. However, as the decibels increase, risks arise:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Ear pain.
- Deafness.
- Stress.
- Anxiety.
- Panic attacks.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Sleep disorders.
- Excitement.
The festive atmosphere causes intolerance and irritability in these people, taking them out of their usual rhythm of life, and they may become frightened, hysterical or aggressive towards themselves, and the party can change the whole family atmosphere, altering the dynamics and turning the party into a real torment. These effects also affect various domestic and wild animals, as they have very acute hearing.
Recommendations:
- For children and babies, hearing protection against nearby fireworks is recommended.
- Offer emotional support (hugs).
- For the elderly, give preference to a quiet environment, adjust or calibrate hearing aids if they use them.
- For people with special needs, create a quiet environment and space, never leave them alone.
Other important points
- Fireworks, if used, should be handled by adults according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- They should be used by adults.
- Keep them out of the reach of children.
- In case of injury, seek medical attention immediately. A safe celebration also means taking care of your health, but we must do so with great empathy, awareness, and respect. Therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of pyrotechnics and fireworks due to all the risks mentioned.