While fireworks might seem very American in tradition, Especially on the 4th of July, the origins can be traced back to almost 2,000 years ago to China, during the Han Dynasty in 200B.C. It is said that people roasted bamboo stalks, causing the air inside the stalks to explode. These were known as "Baozhu". Translated from Mandarin, in directly means "exploding bamboo".
Somewhere between 600 and 900 A.D, These bamboos where filled with potassium nitrate, carbon and sulfur, an early form of gunpowder. Dust particles from steel and cast iron shavings where added for a little sparkle. These fireworks were used to cast of evil spirits during weddings and New Years Festivals.
As the road to the West opened, fireworks subsequently made their way to Europe in the 13th century, and became a part of the official celebrations, such as the "Giandola" at Castello Sant'Angelo on Easter Modays in Rome, the inauguration of the new pope, and in 1533, The coronation of Ann Boleyn as the Queen of England.
The celebration of Independence Day in the good all U.S.A, was celebrated firing guns and cannons. With the end of the Revolutionary War, concerns for public safety became a concern. The guns and cannons where replaced by fireworks. On the 4th of July 2021, Americans would consume 155 million hot dogs, while an estimated 30,000 ton of explosives (fireworks) were set off. Total budget for the display exceeded $1.5 Billion.
Worldwide, Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to celebrate events, ranging from New Years day, to weddings and the Festival of Lights, known as Diwali. While most people find enjoyment and bliss, they can cause grave injury, and cause fear and other problems in other humans and animals. We hope by informing people on the measures that can be taken to ensure people can enjoy the firework displays, we would still be able to alleviate the potential considerable animal wellbeing problems for pets, farm animals and wildlife.
Fireworks are a source of fear and distress in many animals. The sudden, load noises created by the exploding fireworks cause fear in both domestic and undomesticated animals. Animals are not only affected expressively, but the distress could also cause them to injure themselves, sometimes very seriously, trying to escape the noises. Animals have extremely sensitive hearing, and the loud noises send them running into streets, where they often get struck by vehicles.
Domesticated animals skewer themselves on palisade fencing, and or even injure themselves by running into glass panes.
Aversive stimuli that are unpredictable, such as load noises, and are out of the animals' control, cause these animals to act impetuously. Being unpredictable and discontinuous, and intermittent, makes it impossible for the animals to become accustomed to the noise caused by the fireworks.
Although the most reports of animal welfare caused by fireworks are domestic animals, wildlife and other animals also experience fear, distress and or other injuries. Bees become dazed and confused, and are unable to go back to their hives. Birds experience panic attacks, causing them to leave nests and often even entire colonies, and causes mass deaths. Wild animals desert their young and their dens. Waterfowl leave their nests and/or their young. Lambs suffer increased respiratory rates, while pigs suffer from elevated heart rates. The impact of fireworks on cats are less understood, as cats are more likely to display a reactive response, such as hiding.
Fireworks have a cocktail of chemicals, and when launched into the air, harm both the environment and people alike. Chemicals such as Aluminum and Barium have negative impacts on our health. Oxidizers known as perchlorates, dissolve in water, contaminating the water, rivers, lakes and drinking water. The fine smoke released into the atmosphere affects the local air quality. Fish, and other aquatic animals die after ingesting firework debris, or due to the pollution of the water bodies itself.
Fireworks have a strong link to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD puts people in a long lasting physical, mental or emotional alert mode, and any loud or sudden noises can be a trigger. This could cause an involuntary episode of uncontrollable shaking, heart palpitations, sweating, hyper vigilance, flashbacks and other emotional symptoms. People suffering PTSD are continuously afraid, and display inflated reactions to stimuli.
According to Forbes.com , Between 2005 and 2020, there were 136 deaths from fireworks in the United States. This year, 15,600 people required emergency room treatment in U.S Hospitals. Hands and fingers account for 30% of injuries, followed by 22% on the head, face or ears, and 15% injuries to the eyes.
Even during the pandemic, with Omicron dampening the festivities, we can be sure that random citizens around the world, would not let the chance of setting off a number of exploding rockets, and lighting up the night sky, go by. Here are some simple, yet effective ways of ensuring the safety of our fellow humanoids, and our animals, whether they be our loyal companions, daily visitors in our gardens:
• Never set off loud fireworks, and encourage others to avoid them, too. Animals have far more sensitive hearing than humans do. If you really want a display, opt for noise-free pyrotechnics. These have the same visual effect without the devastating consequences.
• Keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are going off, and if possible, stay with them.
• Close your windows and curtains and turn on a radio or TV to help drown out the noise.
• Make sure that your animal companion is micro-chipped and wearing a collar with an up-to-date identification tag.
• Be on the lookout for people who tie firecrackers to the tails of dogs and other animals, and report any incidents to the police.
• Keep an eye out for lost animal companions, and look after them until their guardians can be found.
• Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community.
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
