UK government considers reducing noise limit for consumer fireworks, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): Bangers, rockets and screamers have long been part of Bonfire Night, but the traditional celebrations may sound quieter next year. The government is considering cutting the noise limit for fireworks bought in shops for private use by 50%, after pressure from campaigners concerned about nervous animals and people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Professionally organised displays would continue to have no maximum limit, provided the noise level is not harmful to human health. According to industry figures, about 20 million people enjoy fireworks at home every year.
Andy Hubble of the British Fireworks Association (BFA) said displays had already been getting quieter and that a balance must be struck to prevent a black market in noisy fireworks from emerging. The end of October marks the start of several celebrations traditionally observed with fireworks and bonfires, including Halloween on 31 October, Guy Fawkes Night on 5 November, and Diwali, which falls on 8 November this year.
The government has said an outright ban on public purchases of fireworks would not be proportionate. Business Minister Kate Dearden said her department was considering “reforms to fireworks legislation, focused on their key harms associated with their misuse – their noise, and contribution to antisocial behaviour – whilst still allowing individuals to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly for the important community and cultural celebrations they play a part of.”
It is already illegal to sell fireworks to people under 18 or to set them off after 23:00, with exemptions for special occasions including Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. Campaigners have raised concerns about the impact of loud bangs on nervous pets.
Dog owner Katherine Alderson, from Clacton-on-Sea, told BBC Breakfast: “It’s a nightmare every single year. This year I’ve actually barricaded my bedroom window with numerous layers of insulation to try and keep out the noise of fireworks.” Asked whether reducing the bangs would take the fun out of fireworks, she said displays “should be about the lights and colours” and suggested “a complete ban” on public sales could be the solution.
Other campaigners say a ban is not needed. Alan Friggieri of the charity Combat Stress, which supports veterans with PTSD, told MPs on the Commons’ Business Committee that calls to the charity’s helpline rise at this time of year because loud bangs can trigger PTSD symptoms.
He said veterans need to be able to plan around key dates, but his organisation was not calling for a ban because it understands the cultural importance of firework displays.
Hubble called for better police enforcement of existing rules to curb antisocial behaviour and warned that a ban in Ireland had led to a flourishing black market in firework sales. “There is a real risk here that if we make fireworks quieter that there is still a demand then we could create an illegal market where fireworks are coming in through internet sales and white van sales,” he told BBC Breakfast.
Asked whether displays were getting noisier, Hubble said: “No, no, it’s a lot quieter than it used to be – we used to have bangers and air bombs and screamer rockets that used to be on sale and they were withdrawn from sale.” The government is considering lowering the maximum noise limit from the current 120dB, equivalent to a thunderclap, to 110dB, equivalent to a car horn.
Hubble said a BFA assessment of firework sales shows a 50% noise reduction to 110dB would affect up to 60% of firework sales to the general public. Lowering levels to 90dB, equivalent to a lawnmower, as some campaigners want, would affect about 95% of fireworks.
“That’s effectively a ban on consumer fireworks, not a modest reduction in noise,” he said.
Public health advice from the source for pet owners and people with PTSD includes playing music or TV to mask firework sounds, closing windows and blocking out flashes, keeping pets secure so they cannot escape during sudden noises, and using noise-cancelling headphones and blackout blinds. Other suggestions include grounding techniques, scented candles or diffusers, and asking friends and family to be present on key dates such as Bonfire Night.
