Oohs and ahhs aren’t the only things that fireworks cause.
According to the Land Between, the colourful and often loud displays do harm in a number of ways. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal gave some figures to the Land Between that suggests that between 2009 and 2013, 129 fires and $2.9 million in damages were connected to the use of fireworks.
Another problematic result of the explosive celebration is the sound. Research studies have found the noise from fireworks causes wildlife to experience fear, stress and anxiety. “Animals such as birds and other small mammals are often reported abandoning their nests leaving their defenceless babies behind due to the trauma that they experience from the loud bangs of combustion,” the conservation authority says. “The panic of the ordeal can cause disorientation, decreasing the ability for wildlife to locate their homes.”
On top of those concerns, the Land Between also points to the fact that fireworks expose animals and humans to toxic chemicals in the smoke that follows the combustion. Scientists from the Meteorological Service of Canada concluded that “studies are needed to document exposure to species of the elements emitted by fireworks and to assess the toxicity of particles of various chemical compositions in inhaled fireworks smoke.” Upon combustion, many chemicals and small minerals are released into the air. Leftover particles that fall to the ground can pollute waterways and pose as a risk to both wildlife and humans.
As a way to reduce the impact locally, the Land Between has compiled a list of suggestions
- Wait until well after dusk to ignite fireworks, late evening is prime feeding time for many animals- especially deer, after it gets dark there will be fewer animals nearby to be affected by the disruption
- Clean up all firework residue promptly and thoroughly to avoid toxic chemicals and other poisons harmful to animals if they ingest them
- Avoid using fireworks near trees, birdhouses, known nesting areas, or other sheltered areas where wildlife might be living
- Remove bird feeders prior to lighting fireworks to discourage birds from being nearby during the light show
- Try and use fireworks in areas that are less vulnerable to chemical pollutants and easier to clean up (such as open fields rather than waterways and lakes)
- Use fireworks that produce less noise among combustion. Canada has yet to sell completely noiseless fireworks, but you can ask your fireworks salesperson for ones that make less noise
Written by Phil McCabe