A study conducted by researchers shows that firework displays have brought a spike in air pollution in recent years. Information was analyzed from more than 300 air-quality monitoring sites throughout the United States, stretching over a 15-year time frame. Researchers looked at levels of fine particulate matter, which travels deep into lungs and links to respiratory problems. Average concentrations of fine particulate matter in a 24-hour period was 42% higher on July fourth compared to the days before and after the holiday. The increases were highest between 9-10pm, rising about 21 micrograms per cubic meter. This increase pushed the total concentration close to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s limit of 35 micrograms in a 24-hour period. Increases were dependent on several factors such as weather and the vicinity to the monitoring site. In a field close to a monitoring site in Utah, the concentrations rose 370%, well above EPA standards. People at greatest risk for health problems due to fine particulate matter exposure are people with heart or lung disease, elderlies, and young children. Possible solutions to this problem could be to designate certain areas for firework displays, limiting the total amount of fireworks being set off. Also, regulations could be put in place, forcing people to watch the light show at a certain distance for a set amount of time. Barriers to the solution could be insubordination. The belief that the celebration of the nation's independence should not be dampered by restrictions could result in fatal health consequences for Americans.
Fireworks are a staple for the United States at festivities, but are extremely bad for air pollution. I did not know that there are health issues that can be found when shooting a firework. I agree with Chelsea that there should be regulations about where to put fireworks and the distance people should be from them. The fine particulate matter can lead to respiratory issues, which should not be exposed to children or elderly. I agree with Chelsea's solutions because even though fireworks are a show of our independence, there needs to be regulations put to keep people safe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you. I think that there should more be regulations put on firework. In Clover you are not supposed to shoot fireworks off in the town limits but people do it anyways because all they get is a fine. I think people also should be educated of how unhealthy it is to be so close to the fireworks. I also think that people who are not trained to shoot off fireworks should not be allowed to shoot fireworks. That would also cut down on the amount of fireworks that gets shot off on the fourth of July. A lot of towns and cities hire professionals to put on a firework show for free, and most of times they won’t allow you to get to close while they are setting the fireworks off.
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