• Home
  • Courses

    Browse By Agency

    • DOT
    • IATA
    • IMDG
    • ADR
    • TDG
    • RCRA
    • OSHA
    • FMCSA

    Browse By Type

    • Non-Bulk
    • Bulk
    • International
    • Lithium Battery

    About our Training

    • Delivery Methods
    • Renewal Training
    • Certifications
  • Professional Services
    • hazMAX™ Portal
    • Carrier Management System
    • Rail Services
    • Audits Services
    • Compliance Programs
    • Learning Management System
  • About Us
  • News
  • Contact
    Have a question?
    412-249-1111
    info@learnhazmat.com
    Transportation Compliance Associates, Inc
    • Home
    • Courses

      Browse By Agency

      • DOT
      • IATA
      • IMDG
      • ADR
      • TDG
      • RCRA
      • OSHA
      • FMCSA

      Browse By Type

      • Non-Bulk
      • Bulk
      • International
      • Lithium Battery

      About our Training

      • Delivery Methods
      • Renewal Training
      • Certifications
    • Professional Services
      • hazMAX™ Portal
      • Carrier Management System
      • Rail Services
      • Audits Services
      • Compliance Programs
      • Learning Management System
    • About Us
    • News
    • Contact

      Uncategorized

      Home » Blog » Fireworks Cont’d: Cheap Thrills, Toxic Consequences

      Fireworks Cont’d: Cheap Thrills, Toxic Consequences

      • Categories Uncategorized
      • Date July 3, 2013

      July 3, 2013 | Do you consider yourself environmentally conscious and responsible? In our last post, we covered the different hazards posed by fireworks. Firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles and yes, even those so-called "harmless" sparklers pose serious environmental and health dangers from heavy metals and other toxic firework fallout. Here are some points to consider and some additional information about the chemical makeup of the common celebratory flames:

      Air Pollution – The smoke from fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dusts (particulate matter) that can easily enter the lungs. This represents a real threat for people with asthma or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Smoke from fireworks combustion may contain a mixture of sulfur-coal compounds, traces of heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals or gases. The combustion cloud can contain harmful fumes such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxide. Smoke from consumer fireworks is of most concern because they are released at a low level which makes inhalation more likely in comparison to professional displays.

      Water Pollution – Firework fallout can contaminate water supplies, and residue on the ground can be carried away by rain and end up in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

      Noise Pollution – Fireworks can be loud and the vibrations can travel far. Noise at 85 decibels or higher can damage hearing. Fireworks are responsible for starting an estimated 32,000 reported fires per year; including 2,700 building and vehicle fires. More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.

      For the color effects of fireworks, toxic heavy metals like Barium, Aluminum, Lead, Mercury salts, Copper, and Strontium can be used in firework composition. Outdated heavy metals that have been used in the past include Rubidium and Cadmium. Some toxic elements (like Lead compounds, Chlorates, and Mercury as Mercurous Chloride) are supposedly no longer used in fireworks. However, some firework chemical outlets still sell some of those ingredients. These ingredients can still be seen in pyrotechnic chemical lists and homemade firework makers.

      • Share:
      author avatar
      David Phenicie

      Previous post

      Firework Safety, Continued
      July 3, 2013

      Next post

      Freight Train Derailment: Importance of Investigations & Rail Inspections
      July 5, 2013

      You may also like

      USPS FINAL RULE pub 52
      UPDATE: USPS Publication 52 Finalized
      9 December, 2022
      USPS Publication 52
      USPS PUBLICATION 52 UPDATE!
      17 June, 2022
      EOJ
      DOJ Creates New Office to Help Environmental Enforcement
      20 May, 2022

      Search

      Recent Blogs

      • OSHA: Civil Penalties Increase for 2023 January 27, 2023
      • PHMSA’s Final Rule: Setting the Record Straight January 13, 2023
      • DOT Publishes a Final Rule That Could Prove Costly For Some. January 10, 2023
      • Applicability: PHMSA Answers Your FAQ’s December 19, 2022
      • UPDATE: USPS Publication 52 Finalized December 9, 2022

      Popular Courses

      IMDG

      IMDG

      IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

      IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

      DOT Bulk General Service Tank Cars

      DOT Bulk General Service Tank Cars

      DOT Non Bulk

      DOT Non Bulk

      DOT Bulk General Awareness and Security

      DOT Bulk General Awareness and Security

      DOT Lithium Battery Supplement

      DOT Lithium Battery Supplement

      ADR & IMDG Lithium Battery Supplement

      ADR & IMDG Lithium Battery Supplement

      ADR

      ADR

      412-249-1111
      info@learnhazmat.com
      1340 Route 30

      Clinton, PA 15026

      Facebook-f Linkedin

      LearnHazmat.com Copyright 2006 - Present
      hazMAX Is a registered trademark

      • Privacy
      • Refund Policy
      Back to top

      STILL LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? REQUEST A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION

      Speak With a Regulatory Specialist Today

        Purchase Course

        Shopping Cart

        Your cart is empty
        Checkout Now