Safe into the New Year: Experts warn of the dangers of firecrackers on New Year's Eve!

Safe into the New Year: Experts warn of the dangers of firecrackers on New Year's Eve!

The turn of the year is just around the corner, and many people in Germany are looking forward to a peaceful, safe and communal New Year's Eve experience. For many people, lighting fireworks is an integral part of a successful New Year. The Federal Association for Pyrotechnics and Artistic Fireworks (bvpk) has set itself the goal of ensuring a safe New Year's Eve through education and prevention. There are clear rules for the responsible and respectful use of approved and safety-tested New Year's Eve fireworks. This is highlighted by the Mering platform, which also provides information on identifying illegal and dangerous pyrotechnic items.

Still, there are serious concerns about safety during New Year's Eve celebrations. The police union (GdP) warns about the dangers of fireworks, especially since many people use legal firecrackers and rockets improperly. From Monday morning, when sales start for pyrotechnics, both stationary shops and online retailers are allowed to offer their goods. Due to repeated incidents, the GdP is calling for more firecracker bans and protection zones in cities in order to increase security. GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke is concerned that people are not sufficiently informed about the dangers. This is supported by the reporting by Zeit, which points to the discussions about a possible ban on private fireworks and emphasizes that the federal and state interior ministers were unable to agree on a uniform ban.

Dangers and challenges

In recent years, serious incidents have occurred, particularly in connection with ball bombs, which have reignited the discussion about a ban on firecrackers. Ball bombs are not approved for general use in Germany because of their high explosive power. Tragically, five men died in firecracker accidents around New Year's Eve last season, while hundreds of people were injured. Attacks on emergency services were also recorded. Police and customs have confiscated illegal pyrotechnics in recent weeks, with the Berlin police alone securing large quantities of illegal firecrackers and rockets. 500 kilograms of pyrotechnics were discovered in a van on the A12 near Frankfurt (Oder), increasing concerns about products from neighboring countries that do not meet German safety standards.

The discussion is being further fueled by the German Medical Association, which is calling for a ban on fireworks for private individuals. Klaus Reinhardt, the president of the chamber, highlights the serious injuries that occur every year and points to the damage that fireworks cause to the climate. The bvpk, on the other hand, rejects these demands and calls for stricter measures against the illegal sale of fireworks. He also emphasizes that legally available New Year's Eve fireworks are strictly tested and limited.

Statistical insights and environmental aspects

While discussions about fireworks are ongoing, there are also statistical insights that illustrate the dangers: In 2023, an average of 26.5 patients with fireworks-related injuries were admitted to German hospitals every day. On New Year's Day 2023 there were 100 patients, more than three times as many. The figures show that in years with a sales ban, such as 2021, only 32 patients with similar injuries were treated.

Fireworks also cause significant fine dust emissions. According to estimates, these release around 1,500 tons of fine dust (PM10) every year, which accounts for almost one percent of the annual fine dust emissions in Germany. On New Year's Eve, PM10 hourly values ​​of 1,000 µg/m³ are not uncommon in large cities. The rapid decrease in fine dust pollution depends heavily on the weather conditions. In the years when sales were banned, particulate matter emissions fell significantly, which increased the discussion about the benefits of a ban.

Another important topic is the effects of fireworks on animals. Every year, pets suffer from the stress of loud noises, and wildlife can be awakened from their hibernation, increasing their energy expenditure. Sedatives for pets and measures to protect wild animals are therefore urgently needed.

Overall, it should be noted that the protection of people, the environment and animals as well as safety during New Year's Eve celebrations should receive more attention in the future, as the various voices and organizations strongly emphasize.