Fireworks in Switzerland: Fine Particulate Matter, Noise and Wildlife
On 1 August and New Year's Eve, rockets and firecrackers are set off — creating not only luminous spectacles in the sky. Fireworks also generate noise and burden the air with harmful substances.
According to the Federal Office of Police (fedpol), between 1’000 and 2’000 tonnes of fireworks are consumed in Switzerland each year.
A quarter of this consists of pyrotechnic firework compositions; the remainder is packaging made of wood, cardboard, plastics or clay. In addition to black powder, the firework compositions contain metal compounds that produce colour. When burned, these generate approximately 200 to 400 tonnes of fine particulate matter per year. Fireworks account for 1 to 2 percent of total annual emissions. As precipitation, the fine particulate matter also enters soils and bodies of water. The less fireworks are set off, the lower the environmental impact.
Weather conditions influence the effects
Particularly at low temperatures and during temperature inversions (e.g. beneath a layer of high fog), suspended particles remain in the air for extended periods. Data from the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network (NABEL) confirm that high concentrations of fine particulate matter occur in the vicinity of burning rockets and ground-based fireworks.
Depending on weather conditions, the daily mean limit value of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air established in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance for PM10 may be exceeded.
The noise from fireworks is perceived as disruptive by a portion of the population. Furthermore, the sudden noise of firecrackers startles domestic, farm and wild animals. Exposure to noise and harmful substances can have adverse health effects on both humans and animals.
Proper disposal
It is important to dispose of spent fireworks and packaging safely and correctly. Used fireworks may be disposed of in general household waste. Packaging can, where separate collection schemes exist, be recycled or disposed of in general household waste.
Defective fireworks must be disposed of in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. They can generally be returned free of charge to the point of sale.
Situation in the event of wildfire risk
In the event of wildfire risk, cantons and municipalities may restrict or prohibit the setting off of fireworks. The instructions of local authorities must be followed without exception. Further information on wildlife and their protection can be found in the dossiers of Wild beim Wild.
