The Effects of Fireworks Discharge on Atmospheric PM2.5 Concentration in the Chinese Lunar New Year

Abstract

Discharging fireworks during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations is a deep-rooted custom in China. In this paper, we analyze the effect of this cultural activity on PM2.5 concentration using both ground observations and satellite data. By combining remote sensing data, the problem of uneven spatial distribution of ground monitoring has been compensated, and the research time span has been expanded. The results show that the extensive firework displays on New Year’s Eve lead to a remarkable increase in nationwide PM2.5 concentration, which were 159~223% of the average level, indicating the instantaneous effect far exceeds that of any other factor over the whole year. However, the averaged PM2.5 concentrations of the celebration period were 0.99~16.32 μg/m3 lower compared to the average values of the corresponding pre-celebration period and post-celebration period, indicating the sustained effect is not very significant. The implementation of firework prohibition policies can greatly reduce the instantaneous PM2.5 increase, but no obvious air quality improvement is observed over the entire celebration period. Combining these findings and the cultural significance of this activity, we recommend that this custom is actively maintained, using new technologies and scientific governance programs to minimize the negative effects.

Simulating PM2.5 Concentrations during New Year in Cuenca, Ecuador: Effects of Advancing the Time of Burning Activities

“…Although the direct way to control PM 2.5 levels is to reduce emissions by limiting combustion sources, implementing firework prohibition policies during the Chinese Lunar New Year’s celebrations did not result in clear air quality benefits [ 30 ]. Another option is to manage the corresponding emission factors (the amount of PM 2.5 emitted per unit of pollutant activity), promoting the use of environmentally friendly fireworks.…”

Fine Particulate Matter Concentrations during Independence Day Fireworks Display in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Region, South Texas, USA

“…Fireworks display can be a major source of air pollution and has the potential to cause deleterious health effects [ 1 – 4 ]. Of all the major criteria air pollutants, fine particulate matter (aerosol particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μ m), i.e., PM 2.5 is measured and studied due to its documented health effects [ 5 – 7 ].…”

“…PM 2.5 exposures have both acute and chronic impacts on human health [ 2 , 3 , 9 – 11 ]. Continued exposure to fine PM results in the development of relevant cardiovascular and or respiratory diseases [ 1 , 4 , 10 ]. The major sources of fine particulate matter pollution are typically traffic emissions including both tailpipe and break and tire tear and wear, power plant emissions, emissions from smokestacks, and agricultural burning [ 4 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Firework displays generate harmful concentrations of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide [ 4 , 13 – 18 ]. Statistically significant impact between trace metals in PM 2.5 from firework emissions on human health via reactive oxygen species formations has been well-documented [ 14 , 19 ].…”

“…The assembly of a firecracker consists of multiple inorganic and organic chemicals such as sodium oxalate, strontium nitrate, barium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, potassium nitrates, arsenic, aluminum, charcoal, sulfur, manganese, and iron dust powder [ 11 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 ]. Explosion of fireworks also result in local haze [ 4 ].…”