I agree with Greg Jesser (“Council panders to fireworks industry,” Our Readers’ Views, Dec. 23) and Bill Chapman (“Our bangs, their bucks,” Our Readers’ Views, Dec. 22) that the county council is not considering what is best for our environment and the people here in Clark County.
According to scientists, metal salts and explosives undergo a chemical reaction, releasing smoke and gases into the air. This includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen — three greenhouse gasses responsible for climate change. This is what we are left with after fireworks are dispersed into the air.
Consumer fireworks can cause devastating burns and death. Fireworks caused approximately 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires and 500 vehicle fires. The same year fireworks caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries and $105 million in property damage.
The fact that we pay China and Third World countries to buy fireworks that cause this damage to people and the environment must end. The council members who voted to continue selling fireworks are not working for the people in this county but for their own special interest however they are involved.
