The Federal Environment Agency, with the support of the Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry (VPI), has calculated that around 2,050 tons of particulate matter are released annually by the burning of fireworks. The majority of this particulate matter (approx. 75%) is produced on New Year's Eve. This corresponds to about one percent of the annual amount of particulate matter released in Germany. Evaluations of data from the states' air monitoring networks show that on New Year's Day, the level of harmful particulate matter (PM₁₀) is highest in many places. City centers, which are already heavily polluted, have particularly high concentrations. In some cases, PM₁₀ values (particles with a maximum diameter of up to 10 μm) of over 1000 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) of air are measured, whereas a value below 20 μg/m³ is normal. How quickly the fine dust concentration then drops again depends heavily on the weather. You can view animated data for the turn of the year since 2003/2004 at the link below.

Inhaling fine dust, whether in the short or long term, is harmful to human health. Particles with a maximum diameter of up to 10 μm (PM₁₀) can enter the human nasal cavity, trachea, and bronchi. The smaller PM_2.5 particles (particles with a maximum diameter of up to 2.5 μm) can reach the small bronchi and bronchioles. A very high proportion of these very small particles can even reach the alveoli and thus also enter the bloodstream. In addition, the combustion of chemical additives produces substances that are toxic and irritate the respiratory tract. In addition to the health hazards, various burn injuries and acute hearing damage caused by the improper handling of fireworks must also be taken into account.

New Year's Eve also produces a lot of waste. In Mainz and other large cities, street cleaners have to work extra shifts on New Year's Day to at least clear the hotspots of New Year's Eve waste. According to the Association of Municipal Companies (VKU), municipal waste disposal companies remove around 200 tons of New Year's Eve waste on New Year's Day in the five largest German cities (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Frankfurt am Main) alone.

The ban on the sale of fireworks at the turn of 2020/2021 showed us that New Year's Eve can be celebrated without the usual fireworks. However, many people are not happy about completely abandoning New Year's Eve traditions. Perhaps it is time to think about new traditions?

At the municipal level, there is discussion about centralized fireworks displays. These large-scale fireworks are set off at different heights than the small fireworks commonly available on the market. As a result, they cause less pollution near the ground. In addition, the amount of explosives set off is significantly reduced. Light and laser shows or drone parades would also be an alternative to individual fireworks. These are low-pollution alternatives, especially in large cities that are heavily polluted.

Another alternative is sparklers, which create beautiful light effects without the accompanying noise or fine dust. However, sparklers do not burn without leaving any residue. The wires of these small fireworks are coated with a mixture of barium nitrate, iron filings, and sometimes a little aluminum powder. Unburned barium nitrate is easily soluble in water and toxic. Therefore, sparklers, especially the large 70 cm ones, should not be lit indoors. If you still want the noise, you could bang on a pot lid or use a vuvuzela, for example. You can find more ideas for a more sustainable New Year's Eve in the list of links. Be creative!