Review on physicochemical properties of pollutants released from fireworks: environmental and health effects and preventions

The pollutants released from fireworks may seriously deteriorate air quality and adversely impact on human health. In order to aid in obtaining comprehensive observations and in the establishment of effective legislation aimed at controlling the short-term effects of fireworks, we systematically reviewed the findings of previous studies of the impacts of fireworks. These studies, primarily located in Asia (more than 70% studies), Europe and North America, considered particle concentrations, size distribution, morphology, noise and chemical composition (including water-soluble ions, elements, carbonaceous material, organic matter and trace gases), along with the associated human health effects during fireworks display. 41% studies suggested that the concentrations of firework particles were reported to be 1 - 5 times higher than the respective background values. And the mean ratios PM10/TSP, PM2.5/PM10 and PM1.0/PM2.5 were 0.64, 0.72 and 0.65, respectively. During festivals, the concentrations of SO42- and K+ were the highest of the water-soluble ions. For major elements and gaseous pollutants, K, S and CO, SO2 had the highest concentrations, respectively. The health effects of particles and gaseous pollutants, including metals, emitted from fireworks need further epidemiological study to aid in the prevention of health problems and the treatment of patients. Fireworks industries should technical innovation to reduce pollutants emissions. Emissions inventories of fireworks display should be compiled and used in Eulerian models, to forecast the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants and to further assistant the government in establishing appropriate restriction levels and legislation which balance environmental protection and festive spirit.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author