November 2002
We were made aware, by the Scottish newspaper, 'The Sunday Post' of a report on the pollution caused by fireworks.

Whilst we were verifying the report we found further reports on fireworks pollution.

We have sent these reports to various government agencies, including Melanie Johnson, the Consumer Minister, as well as the Explosive Industry Group, who speak for the Firework Industry.  We have asked all to ascertain the correctness of these reports.

Whilst we await their findings we are withdrawing our support of Firework Displays.  We will reassess the situation when we have been informed as to the extent of the pollution, and correctness of the reports.

We are placing these reports here in the interests of public health and safety.  We ask you to read these reports, so you too, can determine whether they carry the truth about firework pollution


July 1 2002,  Alternet.Org, Fireworks: Breathtaking ... and Deadly, by Gar Smith,
In the final December of the 20th century, environmentalists in Sweden, Germany and Australia issued a Global Call for Action, asking the world community to take a stand against 21st century air pollution by halting the globe-circling fireworks displays planned to celebrate the dawn of the year 2000.


November 2001, Tradition, health and safety collide amidst celebrations

Festival of noise and pollution
In September 2001, the Supreme Court passed orders seeking adherence to anti- noise pollution norms and standards for fire crackers before the festival season.


August 27 2001, Ecology Department addresses air pollution, by Eva Merkel and Sue Beere
www.infosma.com
Air contamination is becoming an increasing problem in San Miguel, a 500-year-old town never designed for the heavy vehicular traffic now passing through its narrow streets. The city has room for about 3,000 vehicles to circulate. This year, more than 15,000 were registered at the Oficina de Rentas. Since we have no heavy industry, most air pollution in San Miguel is caused by vehicles. It is estimated that roughly half of the 15,000 vehicles are more than ten years old.


2001, Umwelt-Materialien Nr. 140, BUWAL,  Fireworks - Environmental impact and safety risks
Summary
Fireworks consist of a wide range of products with a highly variable composition. The available data on fireworks (safety, environmental effects) are often incomplete. This applies also to consumption figures, which can only be estimated. Every year, some 1,450 tonnes of fireworks are set off in Switzerland.


November 2000, Pollution watch
When the National Air Quality Strategy was initially launched in 1997 the air quality objective for particulates was set at 50 m g/m3, measured as a running 24-hour mean, to be achieved by 2005. However, to avoid the cost implications of enforcing rigid, 100% compliance to the objective an allowance was made for PM10 levels to exceed the objective for four days per year (subsequently changed to 35 days). This 'breathing-space' was intended to allow for uncontrollable natural sources, adverse weather conditions and national festivals such as Bonfire night.


December 24, 1999, Pretty Skies - Pretty Poisonous
Media Release , from the LEAD Group Incorporated
The LEAD Group today issued a Global Call for Action in association with the Swedish Heavy Metal Bulletin and SAFER WORLD, Germany about the toxic hazards associated with fireworks. We are concerned about the environmental pollution implications with the increased use of fireworks for celebrations such as New Years Eve and the Olympics.