WASHINGTON — A new chemical formulation can be used in place of perchlorate in the manufacture of fireworks, the American Chemical Society (ACS) announced in a June 23 press release.

In the release, quoting an article in a recent edition of Chemical & Engineering News, the ACS says researchers have developed new formulas that replace perchlorate in fireworks with nitrogen-rich materials or nitrocellulose. In addition to reducing perchlorate use, the new materials burn cleaner, reduce smoke and cut down on the use of heavy metals in fireworks, the release said. 

Due to perchlorate’s possible adverse health effects, several states have set maximum contaminant limits for its presence in drinking water, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an interim health advisory for perchlorate of 15 parts per billion. EPA is also seeking advice from the National Academy of Sciences to help determine whether the federal government should further regulate the chemical. A powerful oxidizer, perchlorate, often used in the form of potassium perchlorate, is used to make explosives, rocket fuel, matches, fireworks and other products.

In its release, the ACS cites studies showing that fireworks displays over lakes can lead to perchlorate contamination of those waters. No federal regulations limit the use of perchlorate-containing fireworks, but the ACS says in its release that such regulation would overcome fireworks manufacturers’ resistance to using the new formulas, which are not yet cost-competitive with perchlorate.

Most of the fireworks used in the upcoming July 1 Canada Day and July 4 Independence Day celebrations will contain perchlorate. Some of the new formulas have been used at circuses, rock concerts and other events, but none have been used yet in large outdoor pyrotechnic displays, the ACS says.

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