San Francisco Fireworks and the effects on the body and environment


On July 4th the mission district in San Francisco is full of fireworks.  They start in the afternoon and run until 2-4am.  In the midwest, where I was raised, fireworks happened on July 3rd or 4th depending on the day of the week.  Every park had their own fireworks display.  They normally started around dusk and would last for 30-40 minutes.  Families would BBQ all day at the park and leave after the festivities.     

Now, living in San Francisco, it is a totally different celebration.  I don't hate fireworks but having these firebombs flying over my home is pretty scary to me and my pets. Fireworks are suspended particulate matters (SPM).  This means they are solids or liquids that are sent through the air from combustion. This can cause effects in the environment and the body. 

Lets go over some of the physical and environmental effects of fireworks:

Physical effects of fireworks:

SPM levels such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), hydrocarbons, Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), increase to high levels in air during firework shows. Pregnant women, children and those having a chronic asthma are most vulnerable to these exposures.

These high levels can cause problems with these areas of the body:

  • Throat
  • Nose
  • Eyes
  • Headaches
  • Brain
  • Heart
  • Nervous System
  • Lungs (chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia and laryngitis).

    Environmental effects of fireworks:


  • Fireworks release chemicals into the atmosphere. many of which can harm both people and the environment. Two of these chemicals are Barium or Aluminum.

    a) Barium: is a white liquid that is commonly seen on x-rays.  It is used because it can coat the inside of the esaphogus, stomach, or bowel, causing the outlines of the organs to appear on X-ray.

    b) Aluminum: It is used in aircraft, automobiles, and appliances to make them lighter but with fireworks it is used for the bright flashes and loud bangs.   

    How loud do firework displays get?


    Noise level is determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The environment noise is normally 60 dB during daytime and 50 decibels during night time. Fireworks can exceed 140 decibels. Any noise above 85 decibels can damage hearing, lead to restlessness, anxiety, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance.

Since fireworks can have negative effects on the body, chiropractic can help restore and relax the nervous system leading to better health of organs, glands and systems.  Even if you feel as though you are not impacted by fireworks, we can help keep your body working properly and prevent pain and disease.  Contact us today!

References: 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317189#:~:text=Barium%20is%20a%20white%20liquid,to%20appear%20on%20X%2Dray.

https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/fireworks-depend-on-metals/

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Hours in the mission district, San Francisco

Monday

8-12pm

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

3-6PM

Thursday

8-12PM

Friday

3-8PM

Saturday

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday

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Hours in the mission district, San Francisco

Monday
8-12pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
3-6PM
Thursday
8-12PM
Friday
3-8PM
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed