Fireworks: what impact on health? – Featured

2023-07-13 07:16:57

July 13, 2023

When they explode, fireworks produce light but also smoke. Are the released compounds harmful to health?

« When fireworks explode, they release smoke, gases, debris and particles that spread through the air », Explains the Federation of Approved Air Quality Monitoring Associations (Atmo France). ” Hydrogen sulphide, methane, sulfur dioxide or even fine particles emitted into the atmosphere at locally high rates are particularly likely to penetrate the lungs of spectators. »

These peaks can then inconvenience people suffering from cardiovascular diseases or chronic conditions of the respiratory tract. On the other hand, the aerosol load of fireworks should have no consequence, or only negligible effects, on the health of healthy people..

Cancer, Alzheimer’s… links to be explored

On the other hand, other toxic substances, released during the explosion, could produce health effects that would deserve to be studied in depth. These include perchlorates and their derivatives. These are minerals whose effects on health and the environment still raise many questions, in particular on thyroid problems, disturbances of the endocrine system and even certain cancers “, indicates Atmo France.

In addition, the metals used for the color raise questions. ” LCopper contaminations are likely to lead to high dioxin levels and skin problems, aluminum contaminations are linked to cognitive problems and are suspected to increase the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease. Barium, radioactive, can cause gastrointestinal problems… “, adds the association. But rest assured, insofar as these events are only very punctual, the health risks remain minimal.

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