Thousands of Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, each year. Some celebrate the 4th of July by grilling for a party or cookout, cities or towns may organize a parade, while others prefer to attend a 4th of July festival or parade. No matter the type of celebration, fireworks are often a common theme of the holiday fun. Unfortunately, not everyone is thrilled when the fireworks start exploding. Fireworks can be detrimental to animals, humans, and the environment.

How 4th of July Fireworks Affect Animals

Humans can understand what to expect from fireworks, but the loud noises and bright lights are more challenging for animals. The sudden, bright lights and loud explosions associated with fireworks can startle domestic animals and wildlife, and they can have a variety of potentially dangerous reactions when this happens. In fact, companion animals like cats and dogs go missing more on the 4th of July than on any other day.

Some animals flee when fireworks frighten them, and they run with no specific destination in mind. Their instincts tell them to get as far away from the perceived danger as quickly as possible, so they attempt to do that. Running like this can lead an animal into unexpected places or dangers. They might find themselves on a busy roadway. In the process, they may accidentally harm themselves, people, or other animals. Horses could find themselves entangled in a barb-wire fence. Birds could fly into buildings. Animals with babies may abandon their young, leaving them vulnerable to predators or the elements.

A frightened animal can easily harm handlers, carers, or bystanders. Larger animals, such as horses, may trample a human attempting to assist them. A dog may attack a human out of fear and panic. It is hard to gauge how an animal will react in such a situation. Just like a frightened human, they are unpredictable.

Some domestic animals could cause themselves such a degree of harm that they cannot survive. Horses are a prime example. They may fracture a leg, which could leave humans no choice other than euthanization. Some run until they collapse from fear or exhaustion and never recover. In some instances, they collapse from the initial shock.

How Fireworks on July 4th Negatively Affect the Environment

There are a few ways fireworks can negatively affect the environment. Fireworks are made with various potentially toxic, highly flammable chemicals and materials. As a firework detonates, those materials are forcibly spread through the air and eventually return to the earth.

Wildfire Risks from Fireworks

Fire risk may be the most apparent environmental danger posed by fireworks. Wildfires kill thousands of animals every year. They may succumb to the smoke or die painfully in the blaze itself. Some are severely burned and left to die a slow, painful death. Those who survive a wildfire are left to contend with a destroyed, uninhabitable environment. They may no longer have access to food, clean water, or safe habitats.

Most recently, on the Greek island of Hydra, yacht occupants started a wildfire by shooting fireworks off the boat that decimated 300 acres of pine forest before it could be contained.

Health Risks for Wildlife from Fireworks

The litter dropped by fireworks can pose a choking hazard to wildlife. Animals are naturally curious, and many explore their world through taste. They may attempt to eat a piece of litter and find that they cannot safely chew or swallow it. Litter may also cause obstructions in an animal’s bowels, leading to sickness or death.

Many chemical and metal ingredients that make fireworks are toxic when consumed. If an animal ingests these materials, they can easily poison the animal. The results could range anywhere from minor sickness to death. It all depends on the specific chemical consumed, the amount consumed, and the animal’s specific vulnerability to the toxin.

Detonating fireworks also releases fumes that can be highly toxic to sensitive animals. Birds are especially susceptible to poisonous fumes. Just like ingested toxins, inhaled toxins can cause sickness or even death.

Exploding fireworks cause a great deal of noise pollution. These loud sounds can damage an animal’s hearing, potentially affecting their quality of life or leaving them vulnerable to predators. Explosions from fireworks can also startle them or send them into a panic, causing them to react out of fear and possibly harm themselves or those around them.

Effects of Fireworks on Humans

Fireworks set off on the Fourth of July can also be detrimental to people. A new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlights how dangerous consumer fireworks can be. In 2023 alone, the organization received reports of eight fatalities and around 9700 fireworks injuries during the 4th of July celebrations. This year, CPSC is trying to raise awareness and share fireworks safety tips to prevent injuries during Independence Day celebrations.

Fireworks not only have the potential for physical damage but can also cause emotional distress for some people. An individual who is autistic may not know how to process the loud sounds and bright flashes of light associated with fireworks. Someone who has PTSD could easily be triggered by these flashes and sounds, as well. The same could apply to small children who have not experienced fireworks before or are fearful of the environmental effects fireworks cause.

“Harm should be prevented, not cheered.” – thereader

People must be responsible and considerate when using fireworks. Many consider fireworks a traditional part of their holiday celebrations, but there are various ways to celebrate special occasions that do not include fireworks. While traditions are important, the safety of animals, people, and the environment is more significant. It is ok to create new traditions that do not pose such a danger. Ultimately, the tradition is less important than the time spent celebrating with family and friends.

If you simply cannot celebrate this Fourth of July without fireworks, please try to avoid areas with wildlife, stay away from dry areas that are susceptible to fire, choose silent fireworks if possible, and pick up any resulting debris.