Fireworks Harming People ====== Good day to everyone, I am calling today to express my support for a ban on the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers across British Columbia. I appreciate your time in hearing me today, and I hope that Victoria Council will help make this ban a reality by appealing to the Union of Municipalities and taking appropriate steps. Many districts across BC have already introduced Bylaws restricting or prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers. However, it seems that every Halloween, Canada Day, New Years' Eve, among other holidays, there are dozens of reported unsanctioned fireworks events, which means that there are hundreds more unreported cases as well. Human injures, child hospitalization, traumatization of those with PTSD and other sensitivities, startling of wildlife commonly resulting in separation from their young, injuries and death, disturbances of domesticated animals including highly sensitive farmed and companion animals, fires, pollution, our tax dollars being spent on investigation and healthcare and clean-up and firefighting. These are among the concerns I have with these displays, merely for a fleeting few minutes of entertainment. I KNOW that we can and must do better. Apparently, there are no standards in North America regarding manufacturing, and many devices are manufactured overseas with little or no quality control. The World Health Organization has recommended a worldwide ban on manufacturing of fireworks. 8000 children are injured in North America each year and 20 people will die as a result of fireworks. The Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program states that fireworks injuries are most frequently in males under the age of 19. The risk is highest for children ages 5-14. Most common injuries are burns, followed by head, eye and hand injuries. 65% of all fireworks injuries are to bystanders, and (3/4) of injuries require medical treatment in emergency departments. More than 80% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks that consumers are permitted to use. The chemicals used to manufacture some pyrotechnics can burn at several thousand degrees, making it impossible to douse the fireworks with water; they have to burn themselves out. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been calling for us to eliminate consumer fireworks for years. Fireworks and firecrackers have a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. In many cities, anyone can walk in to the local stores and purchase a wide array of fireworks products, even though there are restrictions. At some point, our tax dollars should be considered more important than the profits of these few companies who sell fireworks to consumers. On July 1, 2021, a nine-year-old girl in Kelowna was struck in the face and arm by a discharged firework at an unsanctioned gathering, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital. In November, 2022, a youth was walking in Surrey when a car drove slowly past them and an occupant shot a firework, striking her in the forehead. In the same month, in Delta, a girl suffered significant injury after being shot with a firework. The flames burned her upper arm and shoulder as her jacket caught fire. Oct. 31 2021, an 80-year-old ran outside in the night to try to fight a blaze in the cedar trees in his backyard in Burnaby. It took fire crews half an hour to extinguish the blaze and keep it away from his home. A firework had been thrown over the fence. The VPD stated, "unfortunately, we didn't have the luxury of being able to follow up on the dozens if not hundreds of fireworks complaints." Lastly I would like to read an excerpt from a CBC article from October 30, 2007: "Despite widespread bans on the sale of fireworks, two thirds of all fireworks injuries to children in Canada happen in BC, according to the BC Children's Hospital. Staff at the hospital say that they treat five to ten children with fireworks injuries every year at their facility alone. So as Halloween approaches, they and staff at the other Lower Mainland emergency rooms are preparing to deal with the expected rash of incidents. Hospital staff said those injuries include burns, blindness, amputations and even death, but every year sales continue." The time to end these unnecessary risks is now. Thank you. (Victoria City Council Presentation 23-01-12) ====== Hello council. I will be presenting on How Fireworks Harm People in a variety of ways. Fireworks, while visually stunning and a popular form of celebration, can pose significant risks to people's health and safety. In this presentation, we will outline the various ways fireworks can harm individuals. Physical Injuries Fireworks can cause severe physical injuries, including burns, lacerations, and even death. In 2021, there were an estimated 8,500 fireworks-related injuries in the United States, with 74% of these injuries occurring during the peak fireworks season[1]. Firecrackers and sparklers were the main culprits, causing 1,500 and 1,100 emergency department-treated injuries, respectively[2]. The most commonly injured body parts were hands, fingers, head, face, and ears[2]. Respiratory Health Fireworks release a large amount of air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter[3]. Short-term exposure to these pollutants can aggravate lung diseases, cause asthma and acute bronchitis, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections[4]. A study conducted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that inhaling firework smoke may cause longer-term damage, particularly to people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In people with heart disease, short-term exposure to fireworks smoke has been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias[4]. While researchers have not yet directly linked fireworks smoke to long-term respiratory symptoms, there is a strong association between long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and death from lung cancer. Environmental Impact Fireworks also have a negative impact on the environment. They release toxic gases and pollutants that can poison the air, water, and soil, making them harmful to birds, wildlife, pets, and people[5]. Fireworks can also contribute to air pollution, with one study showing that wind conditions can cause pollutants to stay in the air for up to five hours after a fireworks show[6]. Fire Hazards Fireworks can also pose a significant fire hazard. They are responsible for starting an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires[7]. These fires can lead to property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Let's stop this harmful practice! Thank you for listening. [1] https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2021-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf [2] https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2022/12/30/new-years-safety-fireworks-cause-injuries-even-death-each-year-data-shows/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4220320/ [4] https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/AirQuality/Fireworks.html [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2019/12/31/festive-fireworks-create-harmful-pall-of-pollution/?sh=e03b8cf28535 [6] https://www.iqair.com/us/newsroom/are-fireworks-bad-for-air-quality [7] https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/fireworks ====== Ladies and gentlemen, Today, I stand before you to shed light on a topic that often dazzles our eyes but hides a darker side. Fireworks, the mesmerizing displays of light and color that have become synonymous with celebrations and joy, unfortunately, have the power to harm people in ways we may not always consider. While fireworks are undeniably beautiful and captivating, they pose significant risks to our well-being. The explosive nature of fireworks can cause severe injuries, ranging from burns and cuts to more severe trauma. Every year, countless individuals, including children, suffer from these preventable accidents, turning what should be a time of jubilation into one filled with pain and anguish. Not only do fireworks pose a direct threat to our physical health, but they also bring about other detrimental consequences. For instance, the loud noises and unpredictable explosions can cause distress to those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders. Veterans, individuals with sensory sensitivities, and even animals can experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks, or disorientation when exposed to fireworks. Moreover, the environmental impact of fireworks cannot be overlooked. The brilliant displays that light up our skies often come at the expense of our planet. Fireworks produce large amounts of smoke, toxic chemicals, and metal particles that can harm our air quality and contribute to pollution. These pollutants can have adverse effects on our respiratory systems and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma. Furthermore, the noise pollution caused by fireworks disrupts the tranquility of our communities. It disturbs not only people but also wildlife, interrupting their natural habitats and causing unnecessary stress. The sudden explosions can scare birds, small animals, and pets, leading to injuries or even death as they try to flee from the cacophony. Considering these harmful effects, it is crucial for us to reassess our approach to fireworks. Instead of relying solely on personal enjoyment, we should prioritize the well-being of individuals and the environment. Encouraging responsible alternatives such as laser light shows or using eco-friendly fireworks that produce less smoke and noise can help mitigate these risks while still providing a visual spectacle. Education and awareness also play a vital role in preventing fireworks-related injuries. Promoting safety guidelines, emphasizing the importance of adult supervision, and providing resources on proper usage can go a long way in minimizing accidents. Public campaigns and community initiatives can help foster a culture of responsibility and encourage individuals to make informed choices when it comes to celebrating with fireworks. In conclusion, while fireworks have long been symbols of celebration and excitement, we must acknowledge the harm they can cause to people and the environment. By understanding the risks, promoting responsible alternatives, and prioritizing safety, we can still enjoy the beauty of light and color without compromising the well-being of our communities. Let us strive for celebrations that unite us in joy rather than endangering our health and the world we inhabit. Together, we can create a future where fireworks become a symbol of both wonder and safety. Thank you. ====== Good evening council and neighbors, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about fireworks in our neighborhood. While fireworks can be beautiful and exciting, they can also be a nuisance to many people, especially those with pets, young children, or elderly family members. Fireworks cause a lot of noise, which can be very disruptive to people who are trying to sleep or relax. They can also be dangerous, and can cause fires or injuries if not used properly. In addition, the debris left behind after fireworks is harmful to the environment and wildlife. I understand that many people enjoy setting off fireworks, especially during holidays like the 1st of July. However, I would like to encourage everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and to consider the impact that their fireworks may have on others. I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to listen to my concerns about fireworks in our neighborhood. Let's work together to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Thank you. ======