With all of the research on the public health dangers of air pollution that has been submitted to and shared with the Board of Licensing Commissioners (BLC) and Fairgrounds management (FM) over the last two years, I don’t understand the reasoning behind again siting fireworks in the middle of a residential neighborhood on July 4. This exposes everyone downwind to toxic air.

The Precinct 7 Group has been working to educate both the FM and BLC on the toxic environments created by certain Fairgrounds events. We have stopped the Gearjammers and the Monster Truck events because of their air pollution and noise. Unfortunately, the BLC and the FM are not persuaded by the science we have gathered for them. To expose us to this toxic air makes us feel like a sacrifice zone.

The medical Journal Lancet (2018) cautions that no one should breathe fireworks smoke. “The crowd must be situated upwind and fireworks must not be set off in an enclosed space.” The Franklin County Fairgrounds are in the middle of a residential community. The fireworks are launched in the southeast section of the fairgrounds towards the corner of Fairview and Wisdom Way, across from streets with many homes.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), reports that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) “constitute the largest portion of organic matter in fireworks emissions.” The NIH reports “PAHs to be highly toxic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and immunotoxicogenic.” (National Library of Medicine, NLM)

Fireworks are classified by the International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen.

“Fireworks contain arsenic, sulfur, manganese, sodium oxalate, aluminum and iron dust powder, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, barium nitrate and charcoal. Combustion releases pollutants, like SO2, CO2, CO, suspended particles and several metals like aluminum, manganese and cadmium, etc., which are associated with serious health hazards (Mor & Kaushick 2003).

Barium, lead and chromium have been outlawed, but not toluene, though toluene was banned from nail polish and solvents because of its suspected teratogenic and endocrine disrupting properties (Department of Substances Control 2023; Gstalter 2019).

The U.S. Product Safety Commission reported 43% of tested fireworks products contained noncompliant fireworks, including prohibited chemicals such as arsenic and lead (American Lung Association 2024).

Inhalation of metalliferous particles can enter the lung alveoli causing serious health effects (Journal of Hazardous Materials 2010).

In mid-June, a neighbor told me our Air Quality Index (AQI) was 104. The American Lung Association writes “An AQI of 104 is considered unhealthy. At this level, air quality poses a risk to health, especially for sensitive individuals.”

Sensitive individuals/groups include pregnant women, babies, infants and other small children. An immune system doesn’t become fully developed until 7-8 years old. There are also those of us with heart conditions, cancer, COPD, asthma, chemical sensitivities, and heavy metal toxicity.

A 2015 study of air quality at 315 locations around the U.S. after Fourth of July celebrations found PM2.5 increases from 42% to 370% during a fireworks show, with the biggest jumps occurring around 9-10PM and lasting sometimes until noon on July 5 (Seidel, D. J., & Birnbaum, A. N. (2015); IQ Air (December 2024).

Smoke can trigger asthma and other chronic pulmonary and cardio conditions. Smoke is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth. Toxins in the placenta can compromise development in utero and can induce miscarriage.

The International Journal of Environmental Respiratory Health (January 2018) writes, “The developing fetus and young child are disproportionately affected by these exposures because of their immature defense mechanisms …”

Pollutants in the placenta are strongly linked to low birth weights, stunted lungs, increases in childhood obesity, leukemia and mental health problems.” (Forum of International Respiratory Societies, published in the medical journal Chest)

Loud noise from fireworks can trigger the phobias and anxiety related to PTSD; can induce chronic stress reactions and elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease (WHO, NLM); The sounds, smells and shock waves of fireworks can be triggering for combat vets with PTSD.

Mutagenic agents cause changes to DNA. PM can permeate the cell, enter the blood stream and reach every organ in the body, including the brain and placenta.

Everyone needs to breathe clean air. Having fireworks at the fairgrounds takes away everyone’s choice who lives downwind to breathe safe air. Smoke is the silent killer. Air quality must be protected for the health of everyone. We don’t want to be Greenfield’s sacrifice zone.

Tom Neilson, Ed.D., lives in Greenfield.