Fireworks are a staple of 4th of July celebrations, but for use near small lakes here are five things you should consider.

1. You’re Putting Toxic Chemicals into the Water

While fireworks are a tradition, they contain a number of chemicals that can impact the lake, wildlife and human health. Lead, barium, and lithium are among the many toxic chemicals and heavy metals that are present in fireworks. These chemicals are released into the atmosphere and fall into the lake, where they can accumulate in wildlife. As a result, the New Hampshire Lakes Association has taken a strong stance against the use of fireworks on all water bodies in the state. Learn more about these chemicals from the NH Department of Environmental Services fact sheet on fireworks, available here.

2. You’re Putting Yourself & Others at Risk

While most states have outlawed fireworks, many types of fireworks are still legal in New Hampshire. One of these types is reloadable mortars. Reloadable mortars are about as close as you can get to an actual professional fireworks display while still being legal for your average citizen. However, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, reloadable mortars are extremely loud, cause a great deal of smoke, and are more likely to cause fires and serious personal injury. Because of these issues, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal has been fighting to change their classification.

3. You Might Be Breaking the Law

According to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, you must be 21 years of age or older to ignite fireworks. It is also the law that all debris from fireworks found floating in the water must be removed as quickly as possible.

4. You Can Be Liable for Damage or Injury

The State of New Hampshire accepts no responsibility in the event of personal injury or property damage caused by fireworks. The persons igniting the fireworks can be held liable for any personal injury or damage to another lakefront property. Renters of lakefront property are not allowed to ignite fireworks without the express written permission of the property owner, according to state law. https://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/news/20140625-fireworks-safety.html Particularly when there has been low rainfall, brush fires can ignite quickly and get out of control.

5. You Are Likely Disturbing Your Neighbors

As most of us know, sound travels further over water. This means that a fireworks display on one end of the lake may not been seen on the other end, but it will be heard. And, most cottages on the lake don’t have A/C so windows are open at night. If you choose to use fireworks, be respectful of your neighbors and all owners on the lake–being awoken from a sound sleep by an 11 p.m. fireworks display might not been seen as very neighborly.