Delegation
Fireworks Research and Impact Studies
November 19, 2024Pages 33–362 sections
Supporting research on the health, environmental, and wildlife impacts of fireworks.
Health Canada study: 210 cases of fireworks-related injuries 2011-2023USGS study at Mt. Rushmore found elevated perchlorate levels
1. Health Canada study:
- The Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) collected data on fireworks-related injuries between April 1, 2011 and April 13, 2023.
- They reported 210 cases of injuries related to fireworks and similar products during this period.
- Burns were the most common injury, accounting for 61% of cases, followed by eye injuries at 19.1%.
- Young adults aged 20-29 had the highest injury rate, with 22 cases per 100,000 CHIRPP records.
2. Environmental impact research:
- Gwen O'Sullivan, an assistant professor of environmental science at Mount Royal University in Calgary, has studied the environmental impacts of fireworks.
- Her research highlights that fireworks release perchlorates and toxic metals into the environment, contaminating soil and water.
- The explosive charges in fireworks contain perchlorates that deposit back to the surface after detonation.
3. Wildlife impact studies:
- The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS) has reported increased calls about wildlife sightings in unusual areas during periods of widespread fireworks use.
- They found that fireworks cause anxiety and disorientation in animals, leading to behaviors like deer fleeing into roadways and birds flying into windows.
4. Air quality concerns:
- Canadian researchers have noted that fireworks generate particulate matter, affecting air quality and potentially causing breathing difficulties for people with respiratory conditions.
- There's often an increased number of hospital visits after holidays featuring firework displays.
5. Noise pollution effects:
- Canadian studies have shown that the loud noises from fireworks can trigger panic in vulnerable populations, including refugees from war-torn countries.
- The Centre for Newcomers in Calgary reported that fireworks can reawaken traumatic memories for refugees.
These findings demonstrate that Canadian researchers have been actively studying various aspects of fireworks hazards, including health impacts, environmental pollution, and effects on wildlife and vulnerable populations.
Page 33–36
US Research:
Based on the information provided, fireworks pose several environmental hazards, particularly to water resources:
1. Water contamination:
- The Marion County Wellfield Education Corporation highlights that fireworks debris containing heavy metals and perchlorate compounds can contaminate drinking water supplies1.
- These contaminants can be washed out of the air by rainfall and accumulate in groundwater or surface water1.
- Debris left on the ground can deteriorate and enter watersheds1.
2. Research on water pollution:
- The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and National Park Service conducted a study at Mount Rushmore from 2011-20151.
- They found elevated perchlorate concentrations in soil where fireworks were launched and where debris landed1.
- Higher concentrations of chemicals and metals were detected in water bodies inside the memorial1.
3. Perchlorate contamination:
- Perchlorate, used in fireworks to aid combustion, can persist in the environment for long periods3.
- It easily contaminates soil and water, affecting plant absorption and fish development3.
- Groundwater testing in Long Island, New York, showed perchlorate levels of tens of μg/L within 100m of fireworks sites2.
4. Duration of contamination:
- Studies on perchlorate degradation in water showed it can take 20-80 days for levels to become undetectable, with some cases lasting up to 90 days2.
5. Impacts on drinking water:
- At Mount Rushmore, perchlorate levels in the drainage basin feeding drinking water wells exceeded EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory levels of 15 μg/L2.
- Ranges found were 0.2-38 μg/L in groundwater, 2.2-54 μg/L in surface water, and 0.61-19 μg/L in drinking water wells2.
6. Other pollutants:
- Fireworks release metal salts that can poison soil, air, and water4.
- These substances can cause various health issues when inhaled or ingested4.
The Marion County Wellfield Education Corporation emphasizes the need for awareness about fireworks' impact on drinking water and encourages alternative celebrations to protect water resources1.
Page 33–36
Extracted from: 2024 11 19 Council Agenda - Agenda - Pdf