Air Pollution Causes Pet Dog Deaths... Overseas Struggles with Harmful Substances from Seongtan Fireworks

Worsening Air Quality and Various Fires Across Latin America

Fireworks are an indispensable part of festivals and celebrations in the Latin American region. This Christmas holiday, fireworks in some areas have led to fires and deteriorated air quality, causing distress across Latin America.

According to daily newspapers such as Mexico's Milenio and El Sol de Mexico, and Peru's El Comercio on the 25th (local time), 32 fire incidents caused by fireworks occurred over a 24-hour period starting from 9 a.m. the previous day in Lima, the capital of Peru. The Peruvian fire authorities stated that these disasters were mostly caused by negligence, such as improper storage of gunpowder and other materials or incorrect disposal of fireworks waste.

The Peruvian Fire Department announced that the number of fire incidents caused by fireworks during the Christmas holidays has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Property damage was also significant. Mario Casareto, head of the Peruvian Fire Department, said, "In the Alhovin area fire, almost all houses were completely destroyed." Various incidents and accidents continued. During this time, about 1,000 reported incidents and accidents were recorded in Lima, the capital of Peru.

Fireworks display in Acapulco, Mexico. Photo by EPA, Yonhap News

In Mexico, accidents related to Christmas celebrations also continued. Not only large-scale fireworks launched on Christmas Eve night but also tire burning and bonfires caused a significant deterioration in air quality around Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

The Mexico City Meteorological Agency reported, "From 8 a.m., the air quality index remained between 'acceptable' and 'poor' levels," and the health risk ranged from 'moderate' to 'high.' The Mexican Ministry of Environment warned, "More than 14 chemical elements are released into the atmosphere due to fireworks," explaining, "Especially on January 1, December 12 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), and December 25 (Christmas), air pollution worsens and visibility decreases."

On social networking services (SNS), a video of a woman’s pet dog that died due to nearby fireworks gained attention from Mexican residents, highlighting the adverse effects on animals.

The Mexican Veterinary Association warned, "Dogs have sensitive hearing, capable of hearing up to 60,000 hertz, and the noise from fireworks can cause severe anxiety symptoms," adding, "They may show symptoms such as abnormal urination, repeatedly trying to hide somewhere, or severe trembling."

The association also noted that fireworks can have negative effects on cats, horses, birds, and other animals.

Local governments in Mexico generally prohibit fireworks except in special cases. In Mexico City, violators face fines ranging from 2,172 pesos (about 143,000 KRW) to 3,127 pesos (about 200,000 KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.