Ramadan is recognized by the spiritual atmosphere, family gatherings and special events that give the feelings of warmth and familiarity. Among the traditional Ramadan customs that children enjoy is playing in the street after breaking the fast with fireworks that only appear in Ramadan, decorate the sky during Ramadan evenings and add an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Despite the joy these games bring, they also pose a number of environmental an health risks. It has become imperative to explore more sustainable alternatives that ensure the continuation of the holy month without harming the environment or public health.
Environmental risks of the Ramadan games industry
The industry of Ramadan games depends on many environment harmful materials, like:
Fireworks: It is made from black powder, a mixture of 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal, and 10% sulfur, and its chemical residues cause environmental pollution and increase health risks, according to the “Compound Interest” website.
Environmental damage of fireworks
الأكثر قراءة
Air pollution
Fireworks explosions produce several emissions, including: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide, as well as fine respirable particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These emissions cause increased air temperature and humidity, increased atmospheric heat, and decreased air quality, resulting in a 92% reduction in visibility.
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota, carbon monoxide concentrations increased by 32%, carbon dioxide by 17%, and nitric oxide concentrations doubled during “Independence Day” celebrations in the United States due to fireworks displays held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Soil pollution
According to the website “Earth.org”, fireworks lead to soil pollution through leaving behind chemical waste and fine plastic particles sized less than 5 milliliters after its explosion. It also contains heavy metals such as lead, barium and copper that affect soil fertility when it seeps into it, hindering plant growth and harming microorganisms necessary to maintain ecological balance.
In addition, they produce nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which react with oxygen and water in the atmosphere, leading to acid rain that changes the properties and composition of the soil and weakens its fertility.
Impact on animals
Heavy metal wastes such as aluminum, barium, and lead fall from the fireworks. These metals do not decompose quickly, making them available as food for animals, which can cause several problems, including: Gastrointestinal obstruction in animals, poisoning affecting the nervous system, liver, and kidneys, and chemical contamination can also cause severe distress to pets such as cats and dogs due to the loud noises caused by fireworks, which can lead to panic attacks or even running away from home, according to the website “Humane World for Animals”.
Impact on aquatic life
Fireworks waste negatively impacts aquatic life by contaminating water bodies with heavy metals such as lead and mercury, poisoning marine organisms and increasing levels of toxic chemicals such as potassium perchlorate, which inhibits the absorption of iodine, essential for growth and reproduction. Fine particles from combustion also contribute to lower oxygen levels in the water, and chemical waste alters the pH of the water, making it an unsuitable environment for marine life, according to “Lenntech” website.
Health risks of fireworks
According to the website “American Lung Association”, fireworks affect the quality of air that reflects on human health directly. During combustion, fine particles like PM2.5, PM10 and other gases like SO2 and NO2 are emitted and may cause serious health problems when inhaled. These most prominent health problems that may rise are:
Respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
Respiratory disorders that lead to: Severe coughing, frequent sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
Lung tissue damage due to nitrogen and sulfur compounds turning into acids when they react with the air.
Health and environmental risks of bombs and rockets
Fireworks are popular among children during Ramadan to add a festive atmosphere to the streets, but they cause numerous harms to both the environment and children's health.
Environmental impact: These games scatter large amounts of non-biodegradable paper and plastic waste onto the streets, contributing to environmental pollution and increasing the amount of plastic, a constant source of pollution.
Health impact: These toys cause harmful fumes to spread within residential areas, which leads to increased air pollution and damage to children's respiratory systems due to the proximity of these fumes.
More sustainable alternatives to fireworks
With the increasing health and environmental risks caused by fireworks, the search for alternative, more sustainable ways to celebrate began. Several innovative alternatives have emerged, including:
Drone Shows
A group of drones creates 3D animated light shows in the sky. The show is tailored to the occasion and nature of the event. These shows are considered safer because they do not require the use of explosives and do not produce any harmful waste.
Laser shows
These shows rely on light projection technology to produce different shapes depending on the nature of the occasion, and can be combined with music during major events and festivals.
Although these games are an essential part of the festive atmosphere, they are also a source of environmental concern. It has become necessary to use more sustainable alternatives, such as laser shows, which provide the same festive atmosphere without harming the environment or affecting human health.
