Fireworks’ pollution is health risk

BERLIN — To many, New Year’s Eve is the time they commit to living a healthier life in the next year.

They could start by not leaving their homes that night, German authorities say.

Officials there issued a stern warning last week over extreme pollution during New Year’s celebrations, saying that within only a few hours, fireworks are expected to spread about 5,000 tons of dangerous fine particles that are responsible for about 400,000 deaths each year in the European Union, according to official estimates. In Germany alone, New Year’s Eve fireworks pollution amounts to about a fifth of the country’s fine particles emitted on the streets (most of that by cars).

To German authorities, the pollution levels have become so hazardous that doctors are recommending the use of masks that are more commonly seen in China and other Asian countries where heavy pollution is prevalent.

A recent report by Germany’s environmental agency found an almost identical threat across many of the nation’s major cities — especially in centers or areas with lots of traffic — and the report’s findings indicate that other European and U.S. cities are likely facing similar challenges on New Year’s Eve or July 4.

The possibility of long-term health implications of New Year’s Eve fireworks is difficult to predict, however. “Strong winds help to quickly disperse the pollutants. If there’s a lack of wind with a limited horizontal air circulation, the pollutants remain in the air for many hours,” the researchers assessed.

Several Western cities have already banned New Year’s Eve fireworks in recent years, including New York, mostly due to pollution and public safety concerns.