Green fireworks emit 15-65% less particulate matter: Study

Beijing, March 3 : Environmentally friendly fireworks emit 15-65 per cent less particulate matter (PM) as compared to traditional fireworks, however, they still significantly deteriorate air quality, say researchers.
Fireworks are used in celebrations around the world, including Independence Day in the US, the Lantern Festival in China and the Diwali Festival in India. However, the popular pyrotechnic displays emit large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere, sometimes causing severe air pollution.
Fireworks displays can cause health problems, such as respiratory ailments, because they release high levels of air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, heavy metals and perchlorates, said the researchers, including Ying Li from Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen.
As a result, some cities have banned their use. But because the displays are an important aspect of many traditional celebrations, researchers and manufacturers have tried to develop more environmentally friendly pyrotechnics, including those with smokeless charges and sulfur-free propellants.
Although research suggests that these fireworks emit less pollutants, their impact on air quality has not been evaluated.
For the study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the team used data from a large fireworks display held in Shenzhen on Chinese National Day on October 1, 2019, to assess how “green” these fireworks really are.