Fireworks pollution and health

Abstract

This paper discusses the adverse health effects of air and noise pollution caused by fireworks episodes on Oahu, Hawaii. During such episodes the level of suspended particulates can increase by an average of 300 percent above pre‐fireworks levels. The 24‐hour Hawaii air quality standard can be exceeded by 170 percent. Significantly the lung‐penetrating paxticles of < 4.7 μm may increase by 700 percent due to fireworks smoke. Noise levels can reach 117 dBA exceeding all noise codes. An increase of 113 percent in treated respiratory illness during a fireworks episode was statistically significant, but an 8 percent decline in pulmonary function was not.