The nightly loud booms and explosions affect many peoples’ sleep pattern, sense of well-being, and feeling of security and safety. The impact on veterans with PTSD, individuals with respiratory diseases and heart conditions are covered below.

PTSD & Anxiety Disorders

"Perhaps the most patriotic thing we can do for veterans with PTSD is to lay off the pyrotechnics." (Jackie Lasater)

Fireworks spark fears for war-stressed veterans.  The unexpected sounds of exploding fireworks can have a traumatizing effect for some veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be a particular sound or smell, which will trigger some symptoms. For some, even the smell of fireworks, not just the noise, will trigger a flashback. According to the Veteran Resource Center in Langley, Island County has the highest number of veterans per capita in the state — estimates range from 14,000 to 17,000. The US Department of Veterans Affairs,  estimates that 8-35 percent of veterans suffer from PTSD.

 “I have a few veteran buddies who live the scars of their service in the form of PTSD. Independence Day has become a dark period every year for them. They are Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan combat veterans who suffer every Independence Day as their reward for defending the Constitution. I wish people would consider their humanity over blowing sh#t up.” (David Imanaka, Next Door, July 17, 2022)

Freedom works both ways: Freedom to ___ and freedom from ___. I wish people would think more about others' experience as well as [domestic animals and] wildlife. (Anonymous, Next Door, July 17, 2022)

Loud Noise: Effect on the Human Heart

Numerous studies link exposure to environmental noise to an increased risk of heart-related troubles.  There is a growing recognition of the connections between noise pollution and reduced physical health. Evidence of noise’s physiological effects — whether on cells and organs or entire populations — “is really coming together and painting a picture of the problem,” says Mathias Basner, a psychiatrist and epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania and president of the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Noise. (Sounding the Alarm; How Noise Affects the Heart, February, 12, 2021)

Respiratory Conditions 

If you have a respiratory condition like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or chemical sensitivity, you probably already know the kind of symptoms that chemicals from a fireworks show can cause – shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

But fireworks can be harmful even if you don’t have any existing respiratory issues. Some of the symptoms you might experience because of poor air quality caused by fireworks include: headaches, anxiety from nervous system effects, sore or swollen throat, airway inflammation, laryngitis, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, reduced lung function, pneumonia, heart attacks.

Injuries and Accidents 

According to US NEWS, 1st July, 2022 issue- Firework Injuries in the United Stated are on the rise. On average more than 45,000 people go to the emergency room for firework sustaining injuries each day between 4th -5th July. This is the highest daily number for the entire year. In addition, road hazards on the Island increase during the days before and after the 4th of July.  The war-zone like atmosphere, created by firework activity, terrifies and panics local wildlife, especially deer, many of whom have fawns this time of year. Deer attempt to escape the loud booms and dart into road ways and collide with vehicles.