July 4th was a good time to stop and think about the effects of fireworks on our environment. Since, as the saying goes, what goes up (and explodes) must come down. Typical pyrotechnics consist of an oxidant and a fuel. The oxidizer of choice in most fireworks is potassium perchlorate - a potential hormone disruptor - can readily accumulate in groundwater. Theoretically, in a working pyrotechnic, combustion should consume most of the perchlorate. However, in practice, premature burn outs, duds and fireworks loaded with excess perchlorate contribute to environmental exposure.


I came across this Journal article in Chemical and Engineering News (via ScienceDaily.com) that describes research focused on finding a replacement for perchlorate in pyrotechnics. Interestingly, scientists at the Pyrotechnic Operations Branch of the Crane Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center are leading the research into concocting more environmentally benign pyrotechnic formulations. The military has numerous uses for pyrotechnic flares, including distress signalling for downed aviators, location indicating for ground troups and in training excercises (to similate explosions).


The Pyrotechnic Operations Branch scientists have had some success with using strontium-based oxides as a perchlorate replacement in red signal flares.


Pyrotechnics have additional shortcommings from an environmental perspective: The coloring agents used to give fireworks those vivid bright hues often consists of heavy metals. For example, “green” fireworks contain barium compounds.


For much more information check out the article in Chemical and Engineering News.Technorati Tags: fireworks, pyrotechnics, july 4th