Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Trump reiterates proposal for Russia and Ukraine to stop at current front line, negotiate later
Reuters: Trump says no discussion regarding Ukraine ceding Donbas to Russia
US Vice President JD Vance: There is currently no security infrastructure in place to ensure the disarmament of Hamas
Israeli occupation forces said that "ceasefire in Gaza begins to be re-implemented."
Israeli media: 'Israel' to halt entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza until further notice.
Al Mayadeen correspondent: One woman was killed and several children were injured as a result of Israeli bombing of displaced Gazans' tents in the Mawasi area of ​​Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.
Al Mayadeen correspondent in Gaza: An Israeli airstrike targeted the eastern areas of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip.
Al Mayadeen correspondent in Gaza: An Israeli airstrike targeted Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Al-Qassam Brigades: Communication has been severed with what our remaining fighters (if any are still alive) in Rafah, which is currently under occupation's control.
Al-Qassam Brigades says continues to abide by ceasefire, no knowledge of developments in Rafah.

New Year's Eve fireworks not so fun for the environment

  • By Al Mayadeen net
  • Source: Agencies
  • 30 Dec 2021 08:20
3 Min Read

The long-held tradition in many parts of the world could have lasting and detrimental effects on the environment.

  • x
  • New Year's Eve fireworks not so fun for the environment
    New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia (Getty Images)

As the holiday season comes to its penultimate festive end, many cities celebrate by lighting thousands of fireworks on New Years' Eve, unaware of their potential harm. 

Depending on the weather, the high levels of pollution that spike on the night might continue anywhere from a few hours to many days.

The Austrian Air Pollution Control Act defines and provides a guideline on the specific limit value for particulate matter exposure relating to human health. On January 1, 2021, the limit value for human health protection was surpassed at two testing stations in Graz and one measuring point in Linz.

Particulate matter exposure on New Year's Eve was minimal in 2021 due to Covid restrictions in comparison to previous years.

According to the guidelines set forth in the act, exceedances of this limit are permitted 25 times each calendar year.

Related News

Japan Earthquake: Death toll exceeds 200

Gaza marks New Year with a barrage of rockets fired at 'Tel Aviv'

A small portion of the yearly particulate matter emissions come from fireworks, but the majority take place on New Year's Eve. On average, that night's fireworks account for less than 0.6% of yearly PM10 (particulate matter: dust particles with a maximum diameter of 10 micrometers) and PM2.5 emissions. The air we breathe contains particulate matter, which penetrates the human body. It also settles in water and land.

Colors of pollution

Fireworks include an array of metal compounds like aluminum salts, lead, and copper, strontium, as well as barium, and zinc to give them color.

The particles are released during the detonation and are detected as components in the tiny particulate debris. Chemical examinations conducted by the federal province of Salzburg on fine particulate matter samples collected on New Year's Eve 2014/2015 revealed somewhat significantly higher values for aluminum, lead, chromium, copper, strontium, and zinc.

Possible injuries

In addition to the effects of released chemical compounds, fragments of used fireworks are sometimes improperly disposed of and left in the environment, which can harm animals. Furthermore, the leftover plastic elements eventually degrade into microplastics.

Because sound pressure grows considerably with decreasing distance, being too close to fireworks is hazardous to one's hearing. The volume of bangers is highly stressful for the elderly and young children. And because of their unique hearing capacities, animals may also be affected by noise.

According to the Austrian Road Safety Board (as of 2019), around 200 persons are critically wounded each year as a result of incorrect usage of fireworks and seek medical care at a hospital following an accident. Approximately 90% of these incidents happen in the hours leading up to New Year's Eve. The eyes, ears, and hands are the most commonly injured parts of the body.

What can be done?

Alternatives for fireworks are light and laser shows that offer the same colors and fun without any detrimental effects to human health or the environment.

  • New Year
  • Climate change
  • new year's eve
  • US
  • Climate crisis
  • Australian Grand Prix
STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025
2K Palestinian detainees freed, defy occupation with mass welcome

2K Palestinian detainees freed, defy occupation with mass welcome

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Russian banks begin accepting Iranian LCs to boost bilateral trade
Economy

Russian banks begin accepting Iranian LCs to boost bilateral trade

IOF admit to the killing of two soldiers in Gaza
Politics

Israeli occupation forces says two soldiers killed in southern Gaza

President Donald Trump attends a lunch with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Politics

Trump: No Gaza troops, no more arms to Ukraine, tariffs on China

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a meeting with ambassadors and representatives of foreign countries in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Politics

Iran-China-Russia alliance to counter EU snapback move: Tehran

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS