Warning About New Year's Eve Firecrackers: Environment, Health, and Animals at Risk

Greenpeace, the Austrian Red Cross, and the Federal Fire Brigade Association jointly warn of the risks of fireworks and firecrackers - especially on New Year's Eve. Severe injuries and fires, often caused by illegal and highly dangerous firecrackers, can be the result. Noise and smoke also burden people, animals, and the environment. The goal of the alliance is a safe, healthy, and controlled New Year's Eve in Austria, it was stated in a release on Wednesday.

Joint Warning of the Dangers of Firecrackers on New Year's Eve

"Our cities and communities are suffocating from noise and dangerous smoke gases as soon as thousands of firecrackers explode on New Year's Eve. This not only burdens many people and animals but also challenges the emergency services every year anew," said Greenpeace spokeswoman Ursula Bittner.

Gerry Foitik, Federal Rescue Commander of the Austrian Red Cross, reminded of the people who have to be treated annually for severe hand or eye injuries and hearing damage: "Illegal firecrackers are particularly bad, as their explosive power often far exceeds what is allowed for private use. In financially difficult times, it would be more sensible to use the money as a donation for people in social emergencies," Foitik was quoted as saying.

"Around New Year's Eve, Austria's fire brigades generally have more operations than on other days. This also includes those related to the use of pyrotechnic items. Even a small spark can cause great damage. Firecrackers are particularly dangerous, as their effects are often underestimated," added Robert Mayer, President of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association.

Light and Laser Shows Instead of Firecrackers

The environment and animals also suffer from fireworks. Smoke and fine dust worsen air quality and burden people with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis. Pets and wild animals panic due to loud explosions, flee, or injure themselves. The safest option is to refrain from fireworks and firecrackers, according to the three organizations. Quieter alternatives like light or laser shows offer an equally beautiful but harmless experience, it was emphasized. "Our appeal is therefore clear: Less danger, less environmental pollution and animal suffering, more safety for everyone," said Greenpeace spokeswoman Bittner.

Stress for Wild and Domestic Animals

The WWF also strikes the same chord. "New Year's Eve means enormous stress for many wild and domestic animals. Noise, flashes of light, and stench trigger panic-like reactions," warns Hanna Simons, Program Director of WWF Austria. Additionally, fine dust negatively affects the environment and health. The WWF therefore appeals to the federal government to introduce sales bans for individuals without a pyrotechnics license for fireworks of class F2 - also known as small fireworks. Despite existing regulations such as the ban in urban areas and near animal shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes, fireworks are still being set off in many places.

The damage is visible every year anew. Pyrotechnics and their residues lead to measurable air pollution as well as contamination of soils and waters. Every year, high levels of fine dust, carcinogenic pollutants, mountains of waste, and microplastics remain as the dirty side of New Year's Eve. In addition, dangerous fireworks, which are currently still allowed to be sold to young people aged 16 and over, could lead to fires, accidents, and even fatalities, criticized the WWF in a statement. "It is high time for the federal government to take responsibility: New Year's Eve must become more sustainable, animal-friendly, and safer," said Simons.

Burden on Medical Personnel

According to the Austrian Road Safety Board, an average of 210 people per year need to be treated in hospitals following pyrotechnic accidents. 15 percent of those affected were children up to the age of 14, and 47 percent were teenagers or young adults aged 15 to 24. Overall, it is estimated that there are up to around 1,000 injuries from fireworks accidents annually, reported the Austrian Medical Association. Piero Lercher, a representative in the Environmental Medicine Department of the Austrian Medical Association, emphasizes the additional burden on medical personnel due to firecracker-related emergencies: "While millions of people are in a New Year's Eve mood and celebrating, the staff in hospitals, police operation centers, fire departments, and rescue services are working at their limits and beyond. A fact that many are not aware of," warns Lercher.

In view of the damage, many injuries, and the massive environmental impact, the non-profit organization #aufstehn, together with over 50,000 signatories, is also calling for a nationwide ban on firecrackers from category F2. "The New Year's Eve fireworks harm people, animals, and the environment. Nevertheless, they are shot off every year. Therefore, we call on Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) to implement a nationwide fireworks ban as soon as possible," said Christian Haslinger from the #aufstehn initiative.

(APA/Red)

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