RSS
Home
Will eco-friendly fireworks reign in the future?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Fireworks and the 4th of July are as American as, well, fireworks and the 4th of July. But in the future, as individuals and families grow more environmentally conscious, the question more and more people will be asking is whether these red while and blue explosions of entertainment are “green” as well.
The future might be closer than you think. According to the American Chemical Society, “green” fireworks are no longer solely the ones that ignite a chemical reaction of Barium (the element that produces the color green in most fireworks). A new generation of eco-friendly fireworks is ready to thrill and enthrall audiences without the adverse environmental impact of most fireworks in use today.
According to the ACS, fireworks, flares and other so-called “pyrotechnics” traditionally have included potassium perchlorate as the oxidizer, a material that provides the oxygen that fireworks need to burn. Perchlorate, however, is an environmental pollutant with potential adverse effects on people and wildlife. Pyrotechnics also contain other ingredients, such color-producing heavy metals, with a similar potential.
Studies have shown that perchlorate from community fireworks displays conducted over lakes, for instance, can lead to perchlorate contamination of the water. Researchers, however, have developed new pyrotechnic formulas that replace perchlorate with nitrogen-rich materials or nitrocellulose that burn cleaner and produce less smoke.
Nitrogen-rich formulas also use fewer color-producing chemicals, dramatically cutting down on the amount of heavy metals used and lowering their potentially toxic effects. Some of these fireworks have already been used at circuses, rock concerts and other events, but none have been used at large outdoor displays.
The problem: cost. The big challenge in launching these “eco-friendly” pyrotechnics into the sky is making them cost-competitive with conventional fireworks while maintaining their dazzle and glow, according to a recently published article in Chemical & Engineering News.
Ironically, amid a troubled economy with more and more cash strapped communities needing to cancel or reduce costly fireworks displays entirely, this year might be the most environmentally friendly Fourth of July yet.
More About:
In the News
Related Articles:
Comments
A new film that John Anderson of Variety magazine says, "Does for the supermarket what "Jaws' did for the beach," will open in Rhode …
Ledge Ends Farm and Focus Yoga, both in East Greenwich, are teaming up to offer a chance to experience yoga outdoors on a working farm.The classes, …
