The Federation Warns of Permanent Damage from Fireworks on August 1st.
Published: Wednesday, Jul 26th 2023, 10:40
Aktualisiert am: Freitag, 13. Oktober 2023, 14:12
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The 1st of August fireworks can have a negative impact on nature and people, with fine dust, noise, waste and health risks that can be irreversible. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (Bafu) warns that 1600 tons of fireworks are set off in Switzerland each year, with 25% of these being pyrotechnic fireworks. This results in 300 tons of fine dust that pollutes the air. This smoke and dust can cause breathing difficulties and coughing, especially in still weather, and can lead to permanent hearing damage due to the noise. Animals are also affected by the noise, and environmental and animal welfare organisations have long criticised the fireworks. The Bafu also warns against using the 1st of August as a dumping ground for wood, plastic waste, chemically treated wood, demolition wood or building waste, as this can release toxic substances. Due to the current high to very high risk of forest fires in parts of Switzerland, the canton of Valais has already issued a general ban on open fires. The Bafu also warns of a high risk of forest fires in parts of Graubünden and a significant risk in parts of northern and western Switzerland.
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