Fireworks and pollution levels

We are just over a month out from July 1 (Canada) and July 4 (US) celebrations. Many of these include fireworks. And fireworks, according to new research by Saporito and colleagues (2024), contribute to temporary increases in both air and water pollution.

Saporito and colleagues studied air and water pollution levels in New York City immediately after the 2023 Macy’s Fourth of July show. While the air pollutants were relatively shortlived with the longest taking 12 hours to drop back down to pre-show levels, the spike was so high that it was actually higher than the levels from the Canadian wildfire that blanketed the same area with smoke a month earlier.

So, what pollutants are we talking about? Hazardous metals and organic compounds, both of which are associated with damage to human health and the environment. Other studies have connected firework displays with lung problems including asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (NYU Langone Health).

From a health perspective, the authors indicate that you can wear good quality masks to reduce your risk around these celebrations. But I wonder about the environment. Is there long-term accumulation that we should be worried about? Is the water pollution a concern? Are there any types of fireworks that are better or worse? Are these pollution levels worth the show?