Do Fireworks negatively impact our waters?

A study from a team at Penn State involving Kim Van Meter, assistant professor of geography and part of a $2.2 million project funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Van Meter will work to assess the presence of perchlorate from fireworks in lakes, rivers and streams around the United States.

Perchlorate, a chemical that forms colorful explosions for fireworks falls to the ground and into our water.  Researchers will measure perchlorate levels from lake and river samples. 

Studies shown perchlorate causes serious problems for human health, including thyroid function from Perchlorate pollution in groundwater and drinking water.