Firework Safety Study

In 2007, a study was conducted by Audrey Smargiassi, a professor at the University of Montreal Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, to examine the emissions of fireworks.  She wanted to examine the composition of the gases that were emitted along with concentration of particles.  What was unique about her study was that she collected her data below the fireworks, at the distance where spectators usually stand.  Studies previous to this one collected their data from rooftops in the surrounding area from where the fireworks had been set off.

The study was conducted during nine separate firework shows at La Ronde amusement park where an international firework competition is conducted each year.

Smargiassi found that the particles emitted from these fireworks were incredibly small and therefore much more likely to enter the respiratory system.  The amusement park recommended that people with respiratory problems leave the park during these firework shows.  Smargiassi recommends that people with cardiovascular problems also avoid the smoke from fireworks.

The particles that cause problems were primarily potassium, manganese, titanium, chlorine, and aluminum.

To read more about this study, visit: http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-12-high-toxic-particles-fireworks.html