Utah study examines fireworks and pollution in July
Jul 2, 2024, 5:00 AM
FILE: Herriman residents watch fireworks on Monday, July 4, 2022. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Researchers at BYU have learned a little more about that cloud of smoke, or pollution, that hangs around after fireworks.
After a two-year study, BYU Geology Professor Greg Carling said his team identified several metals in the smoke.
The team collected particulate matter in northern Utah, in two-week intervals, between 2019 and 2021.
BYU Geology professor Greg Carling said the study found high levels of metals such as barium and copper in the air following the Independence Day and Pioneer Day holidays.
“The kind of surprising thing was that we saw during July concentrations of copper and barium, these metals spiked really high just over short periods. And so we were able to relate that to firework pollution.”
The metals found in the smoke left by fireworks could be dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, including children and the elderly.
Carling says there is also a long-term concern about what the pollutants do to crops and soil.
Dr. Carling says he’s not trying to be alarmist and wants people to still enjoy watching fireworks.
“It doesn’t mean that we need to stop enjoying our get-togethers, just try to be careful.”
What does he mean by “careful?”
He suggests standing upwind from fireworks smoke to reduce exposure. He also says it’s better to watch fireworks shows from a distance, rather than firing off your own pyrotechnics.
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