The July Fourth holiday is a time of celebration, jubilation, and fireworks for so many. Legal fireworks displays are cleared by state and local governments and provide entertainment for families. The vibrant pops of color and configurations in the sky are a wonder to behold. However, Independence Day brings about the uncertainty associated with noise pollution for people who deal with anxiety issues or are animal caretakers.   

The weeks before Independence Day can sound like a war zone in some areas. Loud bangs, screeches, and explosions lurk for hours. Since personal fireworks displays are illegal throughout many communities, culprits shoot explosives at night to avoid detection by law enforcement. This affects neighbors whose circadian rhythms are disturbed, thus preventing restful, uninterrupted sleep. Noise affects cortisol levels, which can be detrimental since cortisol is an essential hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins,  and the body’s response to stress. Translation: Noise has a domino effect on health.

Dr. Sam Sander, clinical professor of zoo and wildlife medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Animal-control, was interviewed by Illinois News Bureau and said that officials across the U.S. report upticks in lost pets yearly around the time of July Fourth celebrations. Underscoring this impact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that one in five lost pets go missing after being scared by loud noises, including from fireworks displays. Dogs, cats, and even rabbits exhibit the flight response, but so do stabled animals. The latter hear loud noises associated with fireworks, and they run, jump, and often bump into things with great force, causing self-inflicted injuries.

Evidence suggests that communities of color are more susceptible to harm from fireworks on July Fourth. “A lot of the fireworks displays typically happen in the bigger cities, especially along coastal communities, and lower-income [minority] communities typically are closer to those ports,” Jun Wu, a professor of public health at UC Irvine, told National Geographic. With so much revelry from the holiday festivities, what can be done to curtail the harmful effects of fireworks? For humans, noise-canceling headphones are one option. Apps that provide soothing sounds are another option. The gentle patter of rain or waves crashing against the shore can be relaxing. Those with advanced anxiety issues rely on prescription medications or, in some cases, over-the-counter supplements like valerian and ashwagandha. In extreme cases, a hotel stay or Airbnb rental in a quieter location works wonders. For animal caretakers, pairing animals in a buddy system helps them soothe and comfort each other. Reassuring physical touch is also essential. Vet Help Direct suggests providing larger animals with soft spaces in their stables to buffer them from harm if they buck during loud noise.

Everyone loves a good celebration. However, people must remain mindful and put away the fireworks and noisy explosives. The human toll is steep, with the unexpected noise triggering those with mental health issues like anxiety and misophonia. For pets, stabled animals, and animals in the wild, the cacophony of noise harms and confuses them. Therefore, it adds no benefit to their lives. Explosives serve no purpose other than transitory entertainment, and there are myriad ways to find that without inflicting harm on others. Indulge in your independence, but do so responsibly and with as few loud outbursts as possible.

Source: Illinois News Bureau, National Geographic, Vet Help Direct