Fireworks have always been connected to festivities. The flash of light in the sky is frequently interpreted as a sign of happiness and victory, from religious holidays and national celebrations to personal achievements. Beneath this display, however, is a less obvious reality characterised by excessive noise, harmful smoke, and grave threats to the environment, public health, and municipal order. It's time to take a closer look at the invisible effects of fireworks as urban populations increase and festivities get louder and more frequent.
Noise pollution is the most obvious and widespread effect of fireworks. Some people may be briefly amused by explosions, but others may experience severe distress. Abrupt loud noises frequently cause dread, panic, and sleep disturbance in children, the elderly, patients, and persons with anxiety disorders. Fireworks violate the fundamental right to a tranquil environment in urban areas when noise levels are already excessive. Many people experience worry instead of delight on celebration nights.
In addition to making noise, pyrotechnics produce thick smoke that contains dangerous substances. Sulphur, potassium nitrate, heavy metals, and perchlorates are among the materials found in the majority of firecrackers. These materials emit harmful gases and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) into the atmosphere when they catch fire.
There are serious safety dangers associated with fireworks as well. Hospitals report burn injuries, eye damage, hearing loss, and even fatalities associated with improper handling of explosives each year. Because they are frequently exposed to explosions without enough supervision, children are especially vulnerable. Misfired rockets can start flames on rooftops, balconies, or congested streets in heavily populated metropolitan areas, increasing the risk. During large celebrations, emergency personnel are sometimes overburdened with reacting to avoidable mishaps brought on by careless conduct. The effects on the ecosystem go beyond air pollution. Streets, waterways, and public areas are littered with fireworks debris, including plastic casings, paper, and chemical residue. Wildlife suffers greatly, particularly birds and stray animals. Animals are disoriented by loud explosions, which can result in panic, harm, or even death. On nights when there are a lot of explosions, pets frequently disappear, and birds flee their nests out of fear.
Many nations have laws and regulations in place, but enforcement is still lax. Time limits, noise level restrictions, and prohibitions on selling high-intensity explosives are frequently disregarded. Guidelines may be issued by authorities, but they are ineffective in the absence of stringent oversight and sanctions. Regulatory measures are further undermined by the social acceptance of fireworks as an indisputable aspect of celebration. In this situation, communities and individuals must share responsibility; the state cannot bear all of the blame.
By definition, celebration shouldn't come at the expense of human dignity, environmental sustainability, or public health. There are currently alternatives that can maintain the festive atmosphere without causing widespread harm, such as laser shows, light displays, cultural performances, and eco-friendly or low-noise pyrotechnics. More significantly, a change in perspective is required: genuine celebration should be joyful rather than destructive and inclusive rather than disruptive. Reevaluating fireworks' place is now essential as societies deal with issues including urban pollution, climate change, and public health. The invisible effects of risk, smoke, and noise must be acknowledged in public discourse. Celebrations can only become occasions that honour human life and the environment through awareness, control, and shared responsibility.
The writer is a student, University of Chittagong
