Do Fireworks Contribute to the Build up of Greenhouse Gases?

Do fireworks contribute to the build-up of greenhouse gases?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Fireworks, while a source of celebration, have a notable impact on air quality and contribute to the build-up of greenhouse gases. The release of particulate matter, metals, and gases during fireworks displays can lead to significant short-term pollution spikes, with potential long-term environmental and health consequences. As awareness of these impacts grows, there is a need for stricter regulations and the development of cleaner fireworks technologies to mitigate their environmental footprint.

Fireworks are a popular feature of celebrations worldwide, from New Year’s Eve to national holidays and festivals. While they provide visual and auditory entertainment, their environmental impact, particularly concerning air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, is a growing concern. This article explores the contribution of fireworks to the build-up of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, drawing on recent research findings.

Airborne Particles and Gases from Fireworks

Fireworks are known to release a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM), metals, and gases. A study conducted in Milan, Italy, found that fireworks significantly increased the concentration of elements such as strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), barium (Ba), potassium (K), and copper (Cu) in the air. The PM10 mass attributed to fireworks was up to 33.6 µg/m³, accounting for about 50% of the total PM10 mass during the event1.

Similarly, research in Mexico City during Christmas and New Year celebrations revealed that fireworks led to a substantial increase in particle pollution, including both organic and inorganic aerosols. The study noted high concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrous acid (HONO), which contribute to the formation of secondary pollutants such as nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO42-)2.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The pollutants released from fireworks can deteriorate air quality and pose health risks. A review of studies on the impact of fireworks highlighted that particle concentrations during fireworks displays were 1-5 times higher than background levels. The most common pollutants included water-soluble ions like sulfate (SO42-) and potassium (K+), as well as gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2)3. These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations.

In Jamshedpur, India, measurements during the Diwali festival showed extremely high levels of PM10, SO2, NO2, and ozone (O3), far exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The study found that fireworks contributed 21-27% to ambient PM10 levels, indicating a significant impact on air quality4.

Contribution to Greenhouse Gases

While the primary focus of many studies has been on particulate matter and immediate air quality impacts, fireworks also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The combustion of fireworks releases CO2, a major greenhouse gas, along with other gases like CO and NOx, which can indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas formation through atmospheric reactions.

During the Chinese Spring Festival, research in Nanjing showed that fireworks significantly increased the levels of various pollutants, including CO2 precursors like NOx and SO2. The study also noted that the aging process of fireworks particles involved reactions that could further contribute to secondary pollutant formation, impacting both air quality and climate5.