Fireworks are widely used to mark public and private celebrations, as well as traditional events. While adding excitement to occasions, fireworks can also frighten and disturb people and animals, cause annoyance, damage and impact on air quality.
Here we look at the environmental impacts of fireworks and how they can be managed.
Noise
Fireworks can frighten people and animals. In particular children and the elderly can be intimidated and scared by firework noise. Farm animals have been scared to death, literally, and startled animals have been injured, killed and caused accidents when bolting. Disturbing domestic pets can also be dangerous as panicked pets can be vicious and destructive.
Air pollution
The bright colours and effects in fireworks are produced by a cocktail of chemicals. Fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues. The exact emissions will depend on the firework, but, as gunpowder is a main component, sulphur compounds are emitted, along with small amounts of particulates, metal oxides and organic compounds (including minute amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxifis and furans).
On and around Bonfire Night (5th November), there is often a noticeable increase in pollution from particulates and dioxins. Approximately 14% of UK dioxin emissions are produced around Bonfire Night - most of this coming from bonfires rather than fireworks. Current research indicates that deposits of pollutants from fireworks do not pose a risk to soil or water.
Safety
Fireworks are explosives and must be used with caution. In the 2005 Firework season 990 people received treatment for firework injuries. For information on firework safety contact the Department of Trade and Industry, who coordinate national firework safety campaigns.
DTI Enquiry Unit
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
www.dti.gov.uk
dti.enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk
Fire Service
www.syfire.org.uk
Information on firework safety is available from your local fire service
When is it legal to buy fireworks?
There are currently no legal restrictions on the times of year when fireworks can be sold from those traders who have obtained a special licence allowing the sale of fireworks all year round.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 in England, Wales and Scotland, prohibits the sale of fireworks to the public from unlicensed traders except for Chinese New Year and the preceding 3 days; Diwali and the preceding 3 days; 15th October - 10th November (Bonfire Night Celebrations) and 26th - 31st December (for New Year Celebrations).
What is the law on the supply of fireworks?
Under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 all fireworks for use by the public must meet British Standard BS 7114. Under these regulations the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 is banned, and of caps, cracker snaps and party poppers to anyone under 16. The supply of bangers, mini rockets, fireworks that fly erratically (squibs, helicopters etc) arial shells, maroons, mortars and all large powerful professional category 4 fireworks are banned from supply to the public. These regulations are enforced by local authority consumer protection/trading standards officers. Suppliers/shopkeepers in breach of these regulations face a fine of up to £5,000/6 months prison.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the supply of fireworks louder than 120 decibels.
Storage of fireworks
Under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regs 2003, it is an offence to keep fireworks (except those for private use) on premises that have not been registered for this purpose. Individuals can store fireworks for private use for up to 14 days, provided they are kept in a safe place.
What laws cover nuisance and danger caused by fireworks?
If a local authority officer judges noise from fireworks to be a statutory nuisance - under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, they can issue an abatement notice. However as firework noise is short lived, in practice it can prove difficult to locate the source. Under the Noise Act 1996, local authorities in England and Wales have powers to issue a fixed penalty notice if excessive noise is emitted from premises (including gardens) between 11pm and 7am. Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 local authorities have the power to issue an anti-social behaviour order to anyone causing "harassment, alarm or distress". Disobeying an order carries a prison sentence of up to five years.
Fixed Penalty Notices
Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875. This is enforced by the Police, and since April 2004 a fixed penalty notice of £80 applies. The Police can also enforce a fixed penalty notice of £80 to anyone under 18 possessing a firework in a public place and for breach of the 11pm to 7am curfew on letting off fireworks.
Animals
It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. A penalty of up to £5000 and/or 6 months in prison is enforceable by the Police, Trading Standards or the RSPCA.
When can I use fireworks?
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks, and anyone except professionals from possessing category 4 fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11pm-7am) in England and Wales, with extensions for the following festivals:
These regulations are to be enforced by the Police. There is a penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison for breach of the curfew.
Fireworks add excitement and glamour to celebrations and are enjoyed by many. Large organised displays are used to celebrate state occasions, sporting events and also for family celebrations. Fireworks don't have to be ear splitting to be fun. We can enjoy them in safety, without causing annoyance to our neighbours and their pets or livestock, or to wildlife. If you have your own firework display, remember that too much noise can frighten people and animals, and that fireworks cause smoke and pollution. Follow these simple guidelines to reduce the risk of nuisance:
Noise Abatement Society
www.noiseabatementsociety.com
email: nas@noiseabatementsociety.com
Noise Helpline: 01273 878782
Membership organisation for noise sufferers
RSPCA
www.rspca.org.uk or tel: 0870 55599
Information and advice on fireworks and animals
The Blue Cross
www.bluecross.org.uk or tel: 01933 822651
Advisory leaflet 'fireworks and pets'
National Fireworks Campaign
www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks/
Or contact us at the address at the top of this page.
All the information on this page has been taken from Fireworks NSCA information leaflet (Copyright NSCA - National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection, November 2004)
