EMA survey: Fireworks trigger panic attacks, PTSD

A public survey on the use of fireworks in Trinidad and Tobago by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has found that increased anxiety, panic attacks, hypertension and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) triggers are among some of its effects on people.

The online survey was done between June 19 and July 31 and featured a total of 2,950 respondents between 25 and 75.

On the question of whether the respondent or any of his or her household members are negatively affected by fireworks, 79 per cent said yes – this also included mentions of infants and pets.

Some of the issues the respondents said they experience are: irritability, anxiety, sleep deprivation, headaches, earaches and temporary/partial hearing loss, hypertension, chest pains, stress, PTSD triggers, burns/blast injuries, panic attacks, heart arrhythmia, sinus problems and asthma attacks and worsening of prior health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder and autism.

In pets, some of the effects listed were loss of life, erratic behaviour, running away, seizures, anxiety, distress, self-destruction and decreased egg production.

“Dogs were the major type of pet affected, by 60 per cent followed by cats which accounted for 17 per cent of responses, and birds with 13 per cent," the survey said. “Other types of pets, which accounted for ten per cent, included squirrels, fishes, horses, and livestock.”

Animal welfare groups and activists have been calling on the government to ban fireworks entirely.

But the EMA has made some suggestions to resolve the issues such as noiseless fireworks, strict time periods for those approved to use them, and designated areas for usage.

It noted, “The general view of the public is that fireworks should not be banned outright, rather there should be greater management, through legislation and enforcement mechanisms regarding fireworks availability and use.”