12/28/2023 10:08 am (current 12/28/2023 10:28 am)
©VOL.AT; Canva
Every year, New Year's Eve fireworks cause great harm to people, animals and the environment. The Vorarlberg government appeals to the population to use fireworks sparingly in order to protect health and the environment.
Call for fewer fireworks
In many places, noise and particle pollution on New Year's Eve is higher than at any other time of year. State Councilor for the Environment, Daniel Zadra, State Security Councilor, Christian Gantner, and State Councilor for Health, Martina Rüscher, once again make a joint appeal to the population to use fireworks in moderation: “This can noticeably reduce the burden on the environment and health, on people and animals,” the government members said unanimously. The country's mayors were asked in a letter to encourage the sensitive use of fire personnel in their municipality.
“People regularly need to be treated in hospital because of the misuse of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve.”
The limit value for fine dust (PM 10) is exceeded several times at almost all measuring points on New Year's Eve. Depending on location and weather conditions, New Year's Eve fireworks are responsible for several days of fine dust. High concentrations of fine dust overload the respiratory tract: asthmatics have an increasing need for medication and hospitals are recording an increase in admissions for cardiovascular problems. In addition, there are personal injuries, says State Councilor Rüscher: “People regularly have to be treated in Vorarlberg hospitals due to the misuse of rockets on New Year's Eve.”
Measures and principles
Zadra and Gantner therefore call on community leaders in Vorarlberg to limit fireworks on New Year's Eve to between 9pm and 1am or to approve them only in certain areas or locations. “It’s about protecting people, animals and the environment. If we all take each other into consideration, we will be able to celebrate the New Year with dignity. To protect flora and fauna, the remains of fireworks must be discarded”, said the state advisor for the Environment. It is also worth remembering: “Animals also suffer a lot from explosions and flashes of light that are unfamiliar to them and that often last for hours. This is why fireworks should not be set off near farms and animal shelters,” explains State Councilor Gantner.
The call for a responsible New Year's Eve or for the widespread use of fireworks and consideration for the surroundings and the environment is addressed to all fellow citizens.
The following principles must be respected:
- Less is more: Reduce the display of fireworks, also for the good of other human beings, animals, the environment and air quality.
- Discard the remains and avoid burning them in pastures and pastures (non-decomposable plastic and metal parts can end up in animal feed and cause serious health problems for animals).
- Avoid holding large fireworks displays (on New Year's Eve) to avoid crowds.