The Berkeley City Council is doing the right thing by taking a strong and visible stance regarding fire prevention. While many consider lighting illegal #fireworks and fires in neighborhood trash cans fun, the question remains, is it really worth the fleeting moment of joy? The issue of causing disturbances in the neighborhood by lighting illegal fireworks and trash can fires is not the real problem in and of itself. The problem lies in what results from those activities and the impact on the neighborhood and environment as a whole.
Many people fail to realize just how dangerous the components of many illegal fireworks are, not just regarding the environment, but also to our health as well. Over the years, many professionals have expressed varying levels of concern about this issue. One of them is Dr. Dray Fuller. According to him, “fireworks are a real dilemma for me. They are great fun to watch but they pollute our air with some of the very same pollutants that we go to great lengths to clean from factory chimney emissions. These include copper, barium, strontium and perchlorates.”
What’s more, the effects of these fireworks last far longer than their display does. A report released in the Environmental Science and Technology Journal explains that the residue left from illegal fireworks in the atmosphere can last a minimum of 20 days after use. The report went on to expand that some firework residue can last as long as 80 days!
In regards to trash can fires, they pose an especially unique type of danger to the community, largely due to the fact that their major component is garbage. Studies have shown that trash can fires produce copious amounts of carbon monoxide gas (CO2). This emission has a severe negative effect on the atmosphere. In addition to this, when inhaled in large quantities, the effect of CO2 on blood can be fatal. Short of death, excessive exposure can lead to obscured vision and many other serious problems.
Greater still is the threat of uncontrolled fire hazards. Every year there are reports of fires caused by illegal fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations. Although many may consider fireworks and trash can fires to be not just a form of celebration, but an expression of freedom, the inherent dangers of these celebrations does not justify their risks. The first step to ensuring the safety and longevity of the environment and the good citizens of the city is putting a quick stop to the exhibition of these dangerous actions.
Decisive action to shift the city in a new direction and taking a stronger stance regarding fireworks and trash can fires is the right choice. The city should be certain that activities of this type of risk are not only banned, but that the bans are strictly enforced. By taking a more proactive stance now, Berkeley City Council can easily (and at little to no cost) prevent untold disasters, saving lives and securing properties.
