Petition to Ban Daytime Fireworks in Malta

Due to increasing concern regarding noise pollution, public health, and environmental effects, this petition seeks an immediate ban on daytime fireworks in Malta.

We urge the authorities to ban daytime fireworks and restrict their use to nighttime, where they can be enjoyed visually with minimal disturbance.

Their significant environmental impact, harm to animals, and noise disturbances daytime fireworks are not only invisible and pointless but also cause unnecessary distress and pollution.

Environmental and Pollution Impact:

Air Pollution: Fireworks release harmful chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, copper, and barium, as well as sulfur compounds. These pollutants degrade air quality, contributing to respiratory issues in humans and animals. A single large fireworks display can increase local PM2.5 levels by 42%, exceeding recommended limits for days.
Chemical Residue: The chemicals from fireworks can contaminate soil and water, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Perchlorates, a common firework component, can disrupt hormone functions in animals and accumulate in fish, impacting human health through the food chain.
Carbon Emissions: Fireworks contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Harm to Animals:

Noise Disturbance: The loud explosions from fireworks can cause severe stress and anxiety in animals, both domestic and wild. Birds may abandon their nests, and pets can suffer from panic attacks.
Physical Harm: The debris from fireworks can injure animals, and the toxic chemicals can contaminate their habitats.

Noise Disturbances:

Community Disruption: The loud noises from daytime fireworks are disruptive and disturbing to residents. Unlike nighttime displays, daytime fireworks offer no visual enjoyment, making their noise purely a nuisance.
Public Opinion: A Facebook poll in a Malta group showed that 90% of participants are against daytime fireworks. This overwhelming majority highlights the community’s desire for change.

Summary: Daytime fireworks serve no practical purpose and cause significant harm to our environment, animals, and community well-being. We urge the authorities to ban daytime fireworks and restrict their use to nighttime, where they can be enjoyed visually with minimal disturbance. (Even nighttime fireworks should be reduced to minimize their impact.)

By signing this petition, you support a healthier, quieter, and more environmentally friendly Malta. 

Source:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/113398/1/Fireworks%2c_the_environment_and_human_health%282023%29.pdf  

Fireworks, the environment and human health - The Malta Independent - https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2023-10-01/newspaper-lifestyleculture/Fireworks-the-environment-and-human-health-6736255208

https://www.animal-ethics.org/fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/ 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1352231010006485
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749119301617
https://www.xjenza.org/JOURNAL/OLD/4-1-2016/01.pdf

https://www.reddit.com/r/malta/comments/14isxsf/concerning_fireworks/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bankofopportunitiesinmalta/permalink/2361797997190457/