Throughout the year, there is regular discussion about setting off fireworks during New Year’s Eve. This discussion is usually conducted in the context of personal injury, the burden on healthcare, and the threat to emergency responders. All valid arguments, but what stands out is that environmental damage is usually not highlighted. This is surprising because the impact on the environment is significant.
Emissions from Fireworks: Impact on Air Quality
During the New Year’s Eve of 2022 to 2023, approximately 2.1 kilotonnes of PM10 (particulate matter up to 10 µm) and 1.1 kilotonnes of PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 µm) were emitted. This corresponds to 7% and 6% of the total annual emissions of these particulate matter particles in the Netherlands, respectively. The burning of chemicals and metals in fireworks, which end up as fine particles in the air, thus makes a significant (temporary) contribution to air pollution during New Year’s Eve.
In 2022, the emission of particulate matter (PM10) from road traffic in the Netherlands was approximately 5.1 kilotonnes. For 2023, the emission was similar, with a slight increase to 5.2 kilotonnes. These figures include emissions from passenger cars, trucks, and other vehicles, including tire, brake, and road wear.
This means that setting off fireworks during New Year’s Eve temporarily causes a huge spike in air pollution, comparable to the effect of six months of motorized traffic.
During the New Year’s Eve of 2022 to 2023, the highest peak concentrations of particulate matter were measured in Vlaardingen and The Hague, with 1058 and 771 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter of air, respectively. These are extremely high values, especially compared to the standard.
The European standards for particulate matter are as follows:
- Annual average limit value: 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
- Daily standard: The daily average concentration of particulate matter may exceed 50 micrograms per cubic meter only 35 times per year.
Heavy Metals in Air and Water
In addition to particulate matter, various heavy metals are released when fireworks are set off, which are harmful to the environment and health. Barium, strontium, copper, and cadmium are some of the main metals released. These substances are not only harmful to air quality but also to aquatic life. Copper, for example, is toxic in high concentrations and can cause severe damage to aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, metals like cadmium, which are especially present in illegal fireworks, are particularly harmful to both the environment and health.
According to the RIVM, about 10% of the heavy metals end up in the air, while the rest ends up in the soil, sewage, and surface water. This contributes to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, degrading water quality. A ban on fireworks could stop the emission of these harmful substances into both air and water, which would have significant environmental benefits.
Other Environmental Pollution
When fireworks are set off, nitrogen is mainly released in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3). Figures on nitrogen emissions from fireworks are difficult to find. It is known that these substances contribute to air pollution and can lead to health problems and environmental damage.
Finally, fireworks also cause a significant amount of waste. Estimates are available on how much waste from fireworks ends up in the environment, but exact figures are not easily found. According to reports, fireworks in the Netherlands cause thousands of tons of waste annually, mainly in the form of burnt and unburnt residues, as well as plastic parts and packaging. These end up in streets, nature areas, and waters. A specific example is an estimate that about 10-20% of the total weight of sold fireworks remains as waste. With a sales volume of about 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of fireworks per year, this would result in 400 to 1,000 tons of waste. This includes both visible residues and smaller chemical particles that end up in the soil and water.
Conclusion
Stopping the setting off of fireworks would mean a significant reduction in environmental pollution. It would drastically reduce the emission of particulate matter and heavy metals, which would benefit both air and water quality. Additionally, the cleanup of fireworks waste would be avoided, preventing significant costs and pollution. Given the environmental risks of fireworks and the effects on the health of humans and animals, it is clear that a fireworks ban would be an important step towards a more sustainable environment in the Netherlands.
