Fireworks have long been a symbol of America's Independence. With the focus on climate change, you may be interested to learn just how dirty as well as dangerous fireworks are for the environment. Fireworks produce greenhouse gases which include carbon dioxide and ozone.
The pollution concerns begins with the manufacturing. The raw materials used in fireworks often have to be mined from the earth. Mining is not an environmentally friendly business. The minerals taken from the earth then have to be processed which typically involves a chemical. The paper, plastic and other materials used in the manufacturing process are considered wasteful. The factories pollute the air and as well as the planes, trains, trucks and automobiles used to bring the fireworks to market.
Once you get them home and blow them up, more pollution escapes. The smoke from the fireworks comes from toxic particles laden with traces of heavy metals and other toxic gases or chemicals. Smoke from consumer use is considered worse in some ways than commercial displays because of it's low level release. The fireworks fallout can contaminate water supplies. The sound contributes to noise pollution.
We all know fireworks are dangerous. They cause an estimated 32,300 fires per year. More fires are reported on The 4th of July than other day of the year.