New Year's bang loaded heart and respiratory tract

New Year's Eve: The blizzard on New Year's Eve burdens the heart and the respiratory tract

12/31/2011

The emergency rooms in the clinics have to insert extra shifts on New Year's Eve. Often people will be seriously injured tonight by careless handing with firecrackers. Not only accidents are common, but also the smoke after the New Year's Eve strike can cause health damage for humans and nature. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) refers to this in a recent statement.

Gray clouds after the blizzard hide for the Federal Environment Agency the positive outlook for the new year. New Year's fireworks can often involve serious health risks. The smoke contains particles of particulate matter that greatly affect the respiratory tract when inhaled. The result: coughing, shortness of breath and burning eyes. The cardiovascular system can also be overburdened, said a spokesman for the UBA.

The statements of the authority are based on analyzes from measuring stations, which showed that especially in large cities fine dust measured in hourly values ​​of over 1000 micrograms per cubic meter of air are not uncommon on New Year's morning. For example, the daily EU-wide limit of around 50 micrograms of particulate matter is massively exceeded on the first day of the new year. Such a crossing may happen a maximum of 35 times a year.

In the countryside, however, such records are not expected. Nevertheless, it can also lead to increased emissions in rural areas, as the UBA stressed. That happens when the dust blows out of the cities through air currents.

The environmental authority does not want to be misunderstood and as „Spoilsport“ stand. "We do not want to ruin the fireworks for anyone, but only inform about possible health risks", as UBA spokesman Martin Ittershagen emphasized. Fireworks in New Year's Eve is part of our tradition and should remain so. However, everyone can help to minimize the health risks and limit their own fireworks or completely renounce. Instead of popping Böller and spending a lot of money, there are quite reasonable alternatives. Instead of launching air missiles, charities could be supported to fight hunger in the world.

A worthwhile initiative is the aid organization of the Protestant church „Bread for the world according to the motto: „Bread instead of Böller“. Adapted to the time, iPhone users can download an application (app) for a donation from the Itunes shop. Instead of smoking böller then a virtual fireworks can be considered.

For example, lung patients who suffer from COPD or asthma should not stand directly in the smoke of the rockets. Recent studies have shown that most flares contain toxic metal compounds. The particles, which are only a few microns in size, can penetrate deeply into the lungs when inhaled. As the smoke has not cleared the next morning, people suffering from pulmonary disease should take the New Year's walk to the afternoon hours.

The animal welfare association „Four paws“ points out that bangers and light signals put a heavy burden on pets and forest animals in forests and meadows. For this reason, the products should under no circumstances be detonated in the forest, parks or green areas. The animals suffer panic attacks and are put into severe stress situations. Many animals then react with diarrhea, heart problems and vomiting. During New Year's Eve, pet owners should celebrate with their pets in familiar and tranquil surroundings to minimize stress levels. Generally, the club recommends animal lovers, „Instead of investing in charity, it is better to invest money in Böller“.

For the Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry (VPI) the arguments of the Federal Environmental Agency are incomprehensible. Although the particulate matter levels in metropolitan areas may increase for a short time, these do not exist nationwide. This only happens in windy areas, says the managing director of the association Klaus Götzen. If there were ways to limit the burden, the manufacturers would use it too. (Sb)

Read about:
New Year's Eve casualties: Head injuries most common
Animals suffer from stress during New Year's Eve
Do not stand in rocket smoke for asthma

Picture credits: Rike