When the Chinese invented fireworks in the 2nd century, they may not have foreseen the five deaths and “9,100 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2018” (LiveScience).
Firework displays increase air and water pollution from chemical toxins and particles like perchlorate. According to the EPA, firework pollution can cause respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and even heart attacks. Aquatic organisms are poisoned by perchlorate.
Fireworks are stressful to war veterans with PTSD, triggered by the similarity between the sound of fireworks and the sound of gunshots. Animals, domestic and wild, are stressed by the noise. When they flee, they become lost, injured, or die.
Although I greatly respect your patriotism, we must remember that we are not the only ones living here on earth. In order to ensure that everyone stays safe, we should transition to more eco-friendly ways to celebrate the independence of our nation.
