Submitted by Greg Alderete.
Every year, communities across the country mark national holidays with fireworks, often seeing them as harmless expressions of patriotism. But in fragile environments—especially near wetlands and coastal areas like the Puget Sound—these displays come at a steep and often overlooked cost.
Fireworks are not benign. They scatter heavy metals like barium, strontium, and copper—used to create vivid colors—into the air and soil. They release perchlorates and neurotoxic compounds that contaminate waterways and disrupt delicate ecosystems. Wildlife is terrified by the explosions. Birds abandon nests. Marine life suffers from chemical runoff. Pets cower, veterans with PTSD are triggered, and communities are left to clean up the toxic aftermath.
In short, fireworks pollute. They endanger public health and natural ecosystems. Yet we fund them, cheer for them, and call it patriotic.
Real patriotism means protecting the land we love, not poisoning it. It means celebrating with respect—for our neighbors, for wildlife, and for the environment. We should not donate to fireworks displays in vulnerable areas. Instead, we should advocate for cleaner, quieter alternatives: drone light shows, laser displays, and community events that uplift rather than harm.
It’s time to evolve our traditions. The health of our communities—and our environment—demands it.
Sometimes it’s difficult to think outside the box. You make a compelling argument. Certainly something to consider.
How do we go about gently changing the narrative to cleaner, safer patriotic celebrations?
How Fireworks Pollute Biosolids (SoundGro)
Fireworks, while captivating, can introduce pollutants into the environment that may accumulate in biosolids—treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer. Here’s an overview of how fireworks contribute to biosolids contamination, the associated environmental and health risks, and relevant studies:
1. Perchlorate Contamination
Perchlorate, a common oxidizer in fireworks, is highly water-soluble. After fireworks displays, perchlorate can enter water bodies through runoff and eventually reach wastewater treatment plants. These facilities often cannot effectively remove perchlorate, leading to its accumulation in biosolids. Perchlorate exposure is known to disrupt thyroid function by inhibiting iodine uptake.
2. Heavy Metal Accumulation
Fireworks utilize various metals to produce vibrant colors:
• Barium: Green hues; toxic to kidneys and the cardiovascular system.
• Copper: Blue hues; harmful to aquatic life and can inhibit plant root growth.
• Strontium: Red hues; can persist in soils and affect bone health.
• Lead and Cadmium: Used in some fireworks; both are carcinogenic and neurotoxic.
These metals can settle on land or water surfaces post-display, eventually entering wastewater systems and accumulating in biosolids.
⸻
🧪 Scientific Findings
• A study in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, found that 11 years of fireworks displays led to perchlorate contamination in soil and groundwater, with levels reaching up to 62.2 µg/L. 
• Research in Austria observed a 580-fold increase in barium concentrations in snow following New Year’s Eve fireworks, indicating significant atmospheric deposition. 
• The U.S. Geological Survey detected perchlorate in soil and water samples at Mount Rushmore, attributing the contamination to fireworks displays held between 1998 and 2009. 
⸻
🌱 Environmental and Health Implications
• Soil and Water Quality: Contaminated biosolids applied to agricultural lands can introduce perchlorate and heavy metals into the soil, potentially leaching into groundwater and affecting crop health.
• Human Health: Exposure to perchlorate and heavy metals through contaminated water or food can lead to thyroid dysfunction, neurological issues, and other health problems.
• Ecosystem Impact: Heavy metals can be toxic to wildlife, affecting reproduction and survival rates.
Whenever I see the name Greg Alderete as the originator of a letter, I read it. It’s always thoughtful and superbly composed. Today’s letter is a great example. Keep up the good work!
Mike Brown
Another danger from fireworks is direct physical injury and secondary problems from medical treatment. When I was 8 years old I had a burn from spewing a firecracker. As I was not supposed to be playing with fireworks I hid the burn from my mother for 3-4 days, by which time it was not at all pretty. The doctor tested me for allergy to horse serum to prevent tetanus and when the test was negative I got the shot. About 30 minutes later I had acute anaphlaxic shock. Fortunately I survived with prompt treatment from the doctor. Not everyone does. There are several lessons from this incident: 1. Don’t hide medical problems from your parents, 2. Keep your immunizations for tetanus up to date, and least of all don’t wear short pants when spewing firecrackers.
I agree with Mike. I’ve enjoyed reading letters from Greg Alderete. Greg, you seem to be level headed and quite thoughtful.