Heavy Metals in Fireworks & MI Laws

Every year fireworks cause 32,000 fires and 9,300 accidents.

Some Michigan laws pertaining to Fireworks:
What’s Legal: According to the Michigan State Fire Marshal the following fireworks are legal: Sparklers, flat paper caps, toy pistols and toy cannons cone and cylinder fountains, toy snakes not containing mercury and toy smoke devices.
What’s Illegal: Basically, if it shoots off the ground or makes a lot of noise, it’s illegal. Some illegal fireworks include Cherry Bombs, Comets, Firecrackers, M-80’s Bottle Rockets, Roman Candles, Silver Salutes, M-250 and M-1000 and Torches.
Permits Required: In order to shoot off illegal fireworks, you must obtain a permit from the township board and be prepared to submit proof of training and your qualifications to do the fireworks display. You must be insured and show knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association safety requirements.
Proper Transportation and Storage Permits: You must also obtain a permit to transport and store fireworks. A noncombustible, one story building is usually required. There are also transportation regulations.

Penalties for illegal fireworks without a permit: $500.00 fine or 93 days in jail.
Source for this information: Marc Jacobson, WJRT-TV http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=7524934
and the Michigan State Fire Marshal

What are the heavy metals causing the brilliant colors of illegal Fireworks?
The reds are made from strontium. Some dissolves in water, some move deep into soil and ground water – but don’t figure it will just go away. Radioactive strontium has a half life of 29 years! In high doses it damages bone marrow and can lead to birth defects. It impairs bone growth in kids.

The blues come from copper which starts the formation
of dioxins when the perchlorates in fireworks burn, causing acne like lesions, cancer, disrupts hormone production and glucose metabolism.

The greens came from barium and accumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms – thus moving up the food chain causing muscular weakness and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, numbness and muscle weakness. High doses can lead to changes in heart rhythm,
paralysis or death.

And finally we have cadmium, used in a wide range of colors.
It causes cancer, high levels cause lung damage.
It can fluster the stomach resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.
Long term exposure leads to kidney disease and lung damage.
Cadmium is taken up from the earth, water and air by plants, (as in our gardens) fish, and other animals. It is released into the water ways and passed up the food chain.
Think about that next time you go hunting or fishing.

Alternative to Fireworks: Laser light shows are fast becoming a popular option all across the country. There are even companies that put on laser light shows. Google laser light shows to see a few examples. Did you know Pink Floyd does a laser light show concert?

If you want to help stop legal or illegal fireworks in your neighborhood and encourage earth friendly alternatives, you can share this column electronically. Together, we can make a difference!

Sources for this information: Earth Matters at http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/are-fireworks-bad-for-the-environment